Barger Academy of Fine Arts celebrated Earth Day yesterday by holding a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new outdoor learning area. This opportunity is the first step in expanding the ways in which students can get outdoors and learn hands-on about the world around them.
Students designed all elements of the outdoor learning environment.
In the fall of 2019, Barger’s pond was renovated and students started growing seedlings for a community vegetable garden. A grant from the Junior League of Chattanooga allowed Barger Academy to receive a new patio sunshade and a resource room for garden tools and supplies.
Students will utilize the area for outdoor classes and learning about plants as well as aquatic life.
“I just want to say thank you to our students who have done all of the work on this amazing project and it’s such an exciting way to celebrate Earth Day,” said Roxanne Anthony, principal of Barger Academy of Fine Arts. “It doesn’t get much better than being outdoors, learning together and having fun.”
Ms. Anthony was joined by the newly-elected Mayor Tim Kelly for the ribbon cutting, and both were excited to celebrate this learning space with students. This was Mayor Kelly’s first school visit since being elected mayor of Chattanooga.
“It was an awesome experience to spend quality time with Chattanooga’s next generation of leaders,” said Mayor Kelly. “Education is near and dear to my heart, and I’m excited to work alongside Dr. Johnson to strengthen learning opportunities across our neighborhoods.”
The outdoor classroom will present students with opportunities to engage in hands-on learning, collaborate through service and provide value to the surrounding community.
“I’m always inspired by the creativity and dedication of our students,” said Dr. Bryan Johnson, superintendent of Hamilton County Schools. “The skills they put into practice during the design, build and celebration of this outdoor learning space during a pandemic are a testament to their resilience.”