November 6, 2023

The Saco School Department celebrated the unveiling of the new outdoor classroom at CK Burns School, a project made possible by community collaboration and donations, notably from Project Green Schools, Jim Godbout Plumbing & Heating, and the Biddeford Saco Rotary Club.

The Saco School Department recently unveiled a new outdoor classroom at CK Burns School, a project that exemplifies community collaboration and innovative education. The idea for the classroom, initially conceived by students and further developed through a national grant application by the school's STEM Teacher Holly Trottier and Resiliency Coordinator Suzanne Ray, received a significant boost with a $10,000 grant from Project Green Schools. The project, which cost a total of $22,365, was completed without taxpayer expense thanks to donations and volunteer work. The outdoor classroom features a 20 by 12 gazebo, constructed and donated by Jim Godbout Plumbing and Heating, and includes convertible benches assembled by the Biddeford Saco Rotary Club, along with other contributions from local organizations. This new learning environment offers several benefits, including hands-on learning experiences, improved concentration, environmental awareness, enhanced social skills, emotional well-being, and the unique opportunity for seasonal learning. Superintendent Jeremy Ray, Assistant Superintendent Meg Parkhurst, and CK Burns Principal April Noble expressed deep gratitude to the contributors and community members who made this project a reality, underlining the commitment to fostering educational environments that support the holistic development of students. The Saco School Department extends an invitation to the community to celebrate this achievement and recognize the efforts of all involved in bringing this innovative educational space to fruition.