Stapleton School received certification as an official Outdoor Classroom School through the Alabama Wildlife Federation (AWF) Alabama Outdoor Classroom Program on Wednesday, May 15, becoming the fifth school in the Baldwin County Public Schools system to do so.

The school also received Schoolyard Wildlife Habitat certification through the National Wildlife Federation and will create a model for others to follow in hopes of generating more hands-on, inquiry-based learning opportunities across the state. AWF honored Stapleton with an official Alabama Outdoor Classroom certification sign and an Outdoor Classroom Activity Kit, which includes field identification guides, magnifying loupes and other helpful educational materials.

"The Alabama Outdoor Classroom Program is a partnership between the AWF, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR)," AWF explains. "Through this partnership, we provide technical assistance for schools who want to develop sustainable outdoor learning stations and wildlife habitats that teachers can use for engaging, investigative activities that allow students of all ages to utilize their math, science, history, geography and language arts skills in a fun and exciting environment."

Stapleton students will now be able to enjoy a sensory garden, songbird sanctuary, butterfly garden, frog bed and pond, pollinator garden and weather station, with enrichment activities tied to the school's Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum that educates students about the environment and natural resources. Project leader Tammy Grace and Principal Jim Perry spearheaded this outdoor development, alongside team members such as registrar Julie Frith and paraprofessional Lori Hood.

AWF, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Baldwin County Master Gardeners, Gulf Coast Resource Conservation & Development Council, community partners, parents and students all joined forces to provide the technical, financial and volunteer support, as well as grants and donations, that made this come to life. More information on the AOC program is available at www.alabamawildlife.org/outdoor-classroom-program.