Mountain Valley teachers to expand outdoor learning tools with mini grants

Nearly 100 Maine educators are receiving funding for the first time for 146 outdoor learning projects across the state. Story by Bruce Farrin, Rumford Falls Times

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Rumford Elementary School fourth grade teacher Larissa Wing and her class visit Meroby Elementary School's nature exploration space on Oct. 11, 2024. Wing and fellow teacher Stephanie Dowland read "Listen to the Language of the Trees" as part of a lesson about trees. (Bruce Farrin/Staff Writer)

Six teachers from Mountain Valley Community School in Mexico will use recently-awarded grants to collaborate on outdoor learning projects at the middle and elementary schools.

The Maine Environmental Education Association‘s mini grants for the Outdoor Learning Program were announced Jan. 14 by Emory Buco Harger, director of communications. Nearly 100 Maine educators are receiving funding for the first time for 146 outdoor learning projects across the state.

Ideas at the Regional School Unit 10 school include creating a winter gear library, creating a hammock garden, or purchasing GPS units, among others.

“I am really glad to see so many applications from educators who have not made requests in the past,” said Anna Sommo, the association’s director of school and community partnerships. “This is very exciting because it tells me that there are still lots of educators who might not be a part of the environmental education network in the state who are excited about getting students outdoors.”

Sommo said getting outside during the school day is gaining traction in Maine as a way to develop key skills, decrease behavioral challenges, and cultivate young Mainers’ care for our environment. With so many benefits for students’ social, emotional and academic growth, every year the association funds Maine public schools representing all 16 counties, with this year distributing $127,615 to partially fund projects.

There were 173 applications for more than $220,000, far more than the money available.

Mini grants applicants at Mountain Valley Community School were submitted by Shane Smith, middle school alternative education; Cheryl Sevigny, physical education; Larissa Wing, fourth grade teacher; Maggie Corlett, fourth grade teacher; Jessica McMichael, kindergarten teacher; and Stephanie Dowland, fourth grade teacher.

When multiple teachers apply from the same school, the association often will offer them one grant to share. Harger said they reached out to all six Mountain Valley teachers who applied to discuss sharing two grants — one for the middle school and one for the elementary school.

“This is because we do not have enough funding to cover full grant amounts for all teachers who apply in Maine, but we still want to support as many schools as we can,” Harger said.

Harger said McMichael received $1,500, Sevigny received $750 and Smith received $1,000. Wing, Corlett and Dowland ultimately did not receive funds directly but will still benefit from the environmental education equipment and resources at their schools provided by the grant.

Smith said his alternative education program serves 14 students (grades 6 to 8), many of whom lack access to safe, durable winter clothing. The grant will contribute to a shared gear library of boots, jackets, hats and gloves that will support the school’s Outing Club.

He said this resource will remove a significant barrier to participation in outdoor learning, field trips and after-school activities by ensuring that every student, regardless of financial circumstances, has access to warm dry gear.

Read the rest of the story at the Sun Journal’s website here.