Brookfield Teen Creates Outdoor Classroom For Students

BROOKFIELD,WI— A Town of Brookfield teen created an outdoor classroom for kids to learn and to enjoy the outdoors. Jonas Siebert, 14, said being outside is very important for kids. While the idea was in his head for a while, the pandemic fast-tracked the idea.

"It became more realistic due to this covid stuff," Siebert told Patch.

Luckily he found a way to put his idea into fruition. Jonas is a Life Scout, a rank under an Eagle Scout.

"There is a lot of opportunities and you get to have a ton of fun," Siebert said.

To reach the next rank, he needed to lead a service project. He envisioned an outdoor area with mulch and tree stumps for kids to sit on. Above the stumps, he thought of canopies for shade. In front of the stumps would be a white board stand for a teacher.

The Waukesha West High Schooler wanted his project to be at his former elementary campus at Heritage Christian School in New Berlin. His rationale was kiddos can be antsy with masks and outdoors would allow a break from face coverings. A bonus, according to Jonas, is kids can learn about nature instead of being stuck indoors.

After the project was approved by the school and his scout leaders, he had to hold a build day. The tree stumps were donated by a neighbor who has a tree service business.

"I got 30 volunteers to come to the site and construct a picnic table, a white board stand, and put down the mulch," Siebert told Patch.

The experience taught the 14-year-old about leadership as he was in charge of 30 people.

"Being in charge of kids and adults is a learning experience for sure," Siebert said.

It took the volunteers about 8 hours to complete the work. Heritage Christian School started classes on Sept. 8 and used it since then. Siebert said the school is enjoying the setup.

'Science class as it happens'

His mother, Natasha Siebert, is a Spanish teacher for all 250 students.

Due to teaching the student population, there is a possibility of Natasha being a "super spreader" of the coronavirus.

"The idea of teaching outside in the fresh air was much more appealing," Natasha told Patch.

As an educator, she enjoys showing the rings on the tree stumps and explaining how old the tree is. The students are loving the interaction with nature.

"Students caught a toad. Being a Christian school focusing on God's creation. He created this toad and these stink bugs," she said.

The teacher described it as having "science class as it happens".

Natasha said she is very proud of her son for going after his goals and called him a "very determined kid."