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Learning At Turner Is A Breeze

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By MICHELE SAGER, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 3, 2007

LIVE OAK PRESERVE - Students at Turner Elementary can breathe fresh air while sitting through lessons thanks to the school's new outdoor classroom.

The school received a $5,000 grant from Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse to build the outdoor classroom. Six members of the Turner's Dad's Club built the outdoor space, a wooden deck in the school's courtyard, during a weekend in June.

'By supporting local schools like Turner Elementary, we believe we are not only investing in community projects that are important to our customers and employees, but we're also helping schools build a stronger foundation for the children who will be tomorrow's employees, homeowners and community leaders,' Larry Stone, chairman of Lowe's Charitable and Education Foundation, said in a news release.

Principal Donna Ares got the idea to build the outdoor classroom from her previous school, Hunter's Green Elementary, which has one.

'It's nice to have space where students can come outside and get some fresh air,' Ares said. 'I think the kids are proud when they are using it because the class is being showcased.'

Ares said a couple of different classes use the space each week, and it's also used for schoolwide assemblies.

Teacher Sara Suarez recently used the outdoor classroom to teach science to her gifted fourth- and fifth-graders. The students tested chemical reactions using Alka-Seltzer tablets and film canisters.

'The kids get excited when they find out they are going outside,' Suarez said. 'It's a nice break in their day. They like it when they are not sitting behind the desk.'

Reporter Michele Sager can be reached at (813) 865-4843 or msager@tampatrib.com.

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