On April 11, John F. Kennedy Elementary School was joined by community members, local legislators, board of education members and central administration as it unveiled its new outdoor classroom.

The idea of the outdoor learning space came about during the pandemic from Victoria Boye and Josette Crean, two members of the school’s Parent-Teacher Association. Additional PTA members – Teresa Orrino, Jennifer O’Dougherty, Mary Fuccillo, Scott Borawski and Steve Corrigan– joined in the efforts to make the idea a reality. The space was also created thanks to community donations from Joe’s Tree Service, West Babylon Lions Club and Hoover Landscaping.

Small tree stumps serve as chairs for students and there’s an overhead shade to protect from the outdoor elements. The outdoor classroom is also equipped with colorful seat cushions, clipboards, pencils and a portable whiteboard.

Suffolk County Legislator Kevin McCaffrey spoke at the ceremony and presented the school with a proclamation. Principal Denisha Van Liew said, “What began as an idea to navigate the challenges of the pandemic has resulted in a beautiful outdoor space for our school community to enjoy.” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Yiendhy Farrelly, joined by student helpers, concluded the ceremony by cutting a red ribbon to symbolize the opening of this new outdoor space.

Date Added: 4/14/2022