Swansfield Elementary Outdoor Classroom Designed For Student Learning, Community Use

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — A new outdoor classroom has been established at Swansfield Elementary School, which will be used by students to study, relax and make a difference in their community.

The new outdoor classroom was unveiled May 3 with the initiative led by the Green Beanz, a group of environmental interest seminar students, along with teachers and parents.

“We envisioned a place where students can learn, the community can gather, people can have lunch, almost like a small park,” said talented and gifted teacher Laine Malcotti. “We also felt the classroom would be useful in providing some shade for our garden, plants for pollinators and be helpful to the environment.”

Thanks to a grant that funded the new classroom, students helped lay it out and chose the native species to be planted. The final product is an outdoor classroom that features magnolia trees, blueberry bushes, native plants and an archway. More plants, shrubs and a gazebo are expected to be added in the future, according to the Howard County Public School System.

“The outdoor classroom enhances the SES campus by providing a dynamic learning environment that fosters creativity, hands-on experiences and a deeper connection to nature. It also promotes student well-being by encouraging movement, fresh air and a break from the traditional indoor settings,” added SES Principal Anthony Esposito.