Home > Archive > Cooke holds ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of the school’s Nature Path
Posted on

Cooke holds ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of the school’s Nature Path

The George L. Cooke Elementary School held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Oct. 10 to celebrate the official unveiling of the school’s Nature Path. A labor of love made possible under the leadership of Cooke teachers Cathy McFadden and April Rutledge, and through the generosity of a host of organizations, dedicated staff, families and local businesses, the path is an avenue to get Cooke students moving, learning and growing under an open sky.

a group of people are posing outside. They are about to cut a ceremonial ribbon
Members of Sullivan 180 pose with MCSD administrators, BSA Troop 1101 and Cooke Wellness Committee Co-Advisors Cathy McFadden and April Rutledge as they prepare to cut the ceremonial ribbon.

Research shows that the benefits of outdoor learning are vast, citing an increase in focus, creativity, engagement, and problem-solving skills, to name a few. Research also shows that moving learning outside also fosters a connection with nature, while improving students’ physical activity and mental health.

BSA Troop 1101 stands next to one of the trees they planted along the path.

Even without citing scholarly articles, the smiles and excitement on the students’ faces as they explored the path for the first time demonstrated evidence of the advantages of being outdoors. They crossed bridges, ran up hills, sat on tree stumps and skipped past newly-planted plum trees, giggling and munching on apples (it was also “Big Apple Crunch” day). Since its opening, Cooke staff members have been creating opportunities to get students outdoors, including a butterfly release and plein air art classes.

A student looks in awe at a butterfly that she watched grow from a chrysalis. The school held a butterfly release in along the path.
a student looks up as she draws.
Students in Ms. Baisley’s art classes have been visiting the path to create artwork outside, incorporating all of their senses.

The Nature Path was partially funded by Sullivan 180’s Empowering a Healthier Generation grant. Sullivan 180 also organized a two-day Forest School pedagogy workshop in May that 13 Cooke staff members attended in preparation for the school’s outdoor learning initiative. Cooke families also helped finance the project through the school’s Jog-A-Thon fundraiser. In addition, a host of volunteers chipped in with donations of goods and services, and spent many summer days working diligently to build the path, including: the Rutledge and McFadden families, Baer Landscaping, Doug Rutledge, Jason Chevalier, Nick Mootz, Jason Sayers, the Town of Thompson Highway Department, BSA Troop 1101, Girl Scout Troop 00205, and a variety of area businesses and staff members.

Three students are walking down a path smiling.
The excitement was palpable as students explored the Nature Path after the ribbon cutting ceremony

To get involved, or to keep up with the initiative, follow “Cooke Elementary Outdoor Learning” on Facebook.