Sheridan Elementary School
Located in a previously unused area north of the school building, this 17,000-square foot space has 14 distinct areas, ranging in size from 130 to 2,600 square feet. The mix of areas keeps children with a variety of needs and learning styles engaged. A landscape designer from the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum provided a plant plan detailing the number, location and species of plants, shrubs and trees to be located in the classroom. These provide a border to help delineate each area.
An inspiring mural was created as a focal point for the classroom, depicting children learning and playing in nature during the four seasons. Each area is designed to be open-ended and provide unlimited opportunities to experience the natural world. The space is inviting to many types of groups including school classes from all grade levels as well as people of all ages from the community.
Staff, Master Gardeners, students, families and volunteers helped plant prairie gardens, pumpkins, sunflowers, and a variety of herbs, vegetables and flowers. Teachers are bringing the classroom outside with experiments, projects and a variety of activities from physics and geology to making dyes from herbs.
