Back to school means back to nature this year

Yoga mats, beach towels and chair cushions have made their way to the supply list for students in many South Jersey Catholic Schools, adding comfort and color to their largest classroom — the school grounds.

According to the Mayo Clinic website, “When you’re outside, fresh air is constantly moving, dispersing [COVID-19] droplets. So, you’re less likely to breathe in enough of the respiratory droplets containing the virus that causes COVID-19 to become infected. Being outside … can [also] help you feel less tense, stressed, angry or depressed.”

Even before COVID-19 gave way to new protocols, outdoor time was a priority at Christ the King Regional School in Haddonfield. When Principal Anne Hartman learned the school would re-open for live instruction in September, she began to plan beyond the student-tended gardens, turtle habitat and small pond already in place.

“We always appreciated what we have, but not like we do now. We are so aware, so grateful,” said Hartman as she gave a tour of the school grounds.

The school day now includes two outdoor sessions for all students — a mid-morning recess and snack break, and outdoor lunch. Gym class, library for grades pre-K through four, STEM activities and impromptu classes are held outside as well, where several tents offer shade and shelter from rain. One tent is reserved for faculty. 

What about when it rains?

“Outside,” said Hartman.

And when it gets super cold?

“Bundle up,” she said, adding that heavy parkas are on order for the team of five (herself included) responsible for the staggered morning check-in and afternoon dismissal procedures, structured to maintain social distancing.

Led by Kirk Earney, a recently retired police officer and school parent, most of those individuals spend the entire day outside coordinating and supervising academic and recreational activities. 

The school cafeteria is closed, and a star-painted section of the hardtop is reserved for snack and lunch breaks. As long as students are sitting on a star, masks can be removed. When asked to comment on “what’s different” this year, a group of first graders eating lunch on the stars reflected back to their time in Kindergarten.

“Hmm, harder math,” said Charlotte.

“Spelling tests” (which he likes), said Thomas.

“A new teacher. And more time outside for gym and recess and lunch and STEM,” said Addie.

Masks were not mentioned until the fourth response, from Ben. 

When a class goes outside, students learning remotely are encouraged to do the same — find a similar activity for gym, take a nature walk for STEM, sit outside while eating lunch. When in-school learners return to the classroom, everyone reconvenes.

“Everyone is so willing to go the extra mile. No one can do this alone,” said Hartman. She acknowledged parents and students for their support and cooperation and gave teachers an extra shout-out. “Teachers have had to do the most adaptation, beyond the call,” she said. “They are the ones making it work. I’m the conductor, the one getting them on board.”

Christ the King isn’t the only school to expand its use of the outdoors. At Bishop Schad Regional School in Vineland, Susan Bencie recently gave each of her fifth graders a card with a single digit or a decimal point. Bencie called out a number, then had students line themselves up (at a distance) in the correct order to show the number in standard form. They got fresh air, engaged in teamwork and practiced an important math skill all at once.

Thanks to generous parents at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Regional School in Berlin, pop up tents are giving teachers and students additional outdoor options.

“Students are very happy to be back, but not being able to move freely around the building as they have in the past has been an adjustment,” said advancement director Melissa Chesebro. “Time outside gives them a chance to regroup and refocus, [and get] a mask break,” she said.  

Third grade students at Saint Mary’s School in Vineland reported the pleasure of searching for critical vocabulary words and discussing realistic fiction while enjoying the beautiful breeze on an early fall day.

At Gloucester Catholic High School, teacher Tom Flynn likes holding classes in the Saint Mary’s courtyard. Inside or out, he is glad to be back at school. “The best thing about Gloucester Catholic is our students, and it’s great to have the students back,” said Flynn.

Freshman Zoe DeAngelis agrees. “I love being back and seeing everyone, especially getting to know the new freshmen,” she said. “Taking part in outdoor classes is also fun. It’s nice to get some fresh air.”