RIVERSIDE SCHOOL BOARD
Boucherville Elementary School launches its first outdoor classroom

The idea of this outdoor classroom was created to offer an additional, alternative space for the students to learn and work. Times are changing and Jenny Brousseau, Principal, and her Boucherville Elementary school (BES) team, wanted to allow students to meet their full potential while allowing them to move and feel comfortable in their space.

 The outside space will be used as much as possible, during recess, class time & daycare hours. A friendship bench is available for any child feeling alone needing someone to notice him/her, a social circle for group conversations in comfortable seating and an academic area for learning. The main conference platform is suitable for a whole class to come and receive a lecture or work on an assignment. Big tables are also available to play games, build stem challenges or to create beautiful masterpieces.

Sensitizing the students to the environment and the gifts nature has to offer was one of the main priorities. The beautiful garden is the highlight of the outdoor classroom because it symbolizes the role in the students' lives and education. Together, we must help them grow into the best human beings they can be. This class will also grow and improve in time to better meet their needs, as it will continue to live for a very long time.

 Numerous research clearly demonstrates that children who spend more time outdoors are healthier, happier and more creative. Spending more time outside tends to raise individuals to be more sensitive towards the environment but also towards one another. After two years of hard work, Boucherville Elementary School is proud to launch its first outdoor class!

 The event highlighted special guests such as Boucherville Mayor, Mr. Jean Martel, planting flower bulbs alongside BES Governing Board Chair, Marianne Petit, and RSB Human Resource Director, Hélène Coupal. BES students sang the theme song from Zootopia while other students were bucket drumming to the tune! Drinks and homemade snacks were also offered. A wonderful and joyous event! This project would not have been possible without the help of so many people!

 Community members, families and friends, who generously participated in the fundraiser, the many businesses who donated items for the lottery, which raised thousands of dollars, Construction Sorel, A & JL Bourgeois Ltée, les Jardins Petits Coteaux and the expertise, professionalism and kindness of Mr. Martel and his team. Riverside School Board's Material Resource Department for its valuable advice, the school PPO who is truly outstanding. Without such a reliable group of volunteers, absolutely nothing would have been possible.

 Thank you to the dedicated teachers, supportive parents and a generous community! The outdoor classroom would not have been possible without you! Congratulations Jenny Brousseau and her team!