NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A local school is moving all classes outside due to the pandemic.
The Linden Waldorf School is tucked behind Trinity Presbyterian Church in the Green Hills neighborhood. They’re building eight classrooms for pre-K through eighth grade.
"We will be cohorting this year to keep our students and faculty in bubbles as much as we can," said Tricia Drake, head of school.
Drake said it’s an easy transition. Students already spend the bulk of the school day outside learning about things like gardening and woodworking.
“Our sixth graders spend time outside learning about meteorology,” Drake said.
Lucky for her, one parent, Jared Bradley, is an architect-developer who is spearheading the project.
"I’d say some of the cool things about this is how sustainable this is, and as a school community, it’s really what we’re all about anyway," Bradley said.
Bradley said his sons Indio, Friday, and Townes are ready to be back in school.
“We’ve been doing this for eight years, and these kids are probably some of the most outdoorsy kids you’ll find, and the most active, the most creative.”
The outdoor classrooms will be equipped with hand-washing stations and tree stump chairs. They won’t need electricity either.
"We don’t use technology in the classroom. In upper grades, they of course use it as research, but it’s not an integral part of our classroom instruction," Drake said.
They’re starting school virtually on August 17 so students can learn the new procedures. Once the project is completed, they’ll move the classes outside around August 24. It might just take an out-of-the-box learning environment to help students and teachers stay safe.
“In this sort of season of COVID we’re excited about having more time outside, and being able to learn,” Bradley said.
This year they’ve added an environmental lesson plan to the agenda where students will learn how to protect Nashville’s watershed.
In the chance of severe weather, they will move students inside.
What is the rebound?
As Middle Tennessee works to rebound from the impact of the Coronavirus, we want to help. Whether it's getting back to work, making ends meet during this uncertain time, or managing the pressure, we're committed to finding solution. In addition, we want to tell your stories of hope, inspiration, and creativity as Middle Tennessee starts to rebound.
Find more in the sections below
-
Safely Back to School
How schools are changing, and what you can do to help your child get the most from their education, in-person or virtual -
Making Ends Meet
Find help on topics from rent to food to new belt-tightening techniques -
Managing the Pressure
Feeling isolated or frustrated? Learn ways to connect with people virtually, get counseling or manage your stress. -
Doing What’s Right
Keep track of the way people are spending your tax dollars and treating your community. -
State of Education
Find ways to cope with the new normal around schools and celebrate students’ success in the age of Coronavirus. -
We're Open Y'all
Support local businesses doing their best to stay open and serve their customers during Covid.
