New Outdoor Classroom at Julie Billiart School Lyndhurst Enhances Learning Environment For Students With Learning Differences

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

[Lyndhurst, OH, July 20, 2022] Julie Billiart (JB) School Lyndhurst recently completed an outdoor renovation project to offer a new outdoor classroom for its students. This renovation was made possible through a generous gift from Sr. Barbara Soplata, SND, and her family. The construction project was completed with the help of JB Lyndhurst staff and Pirc Landscaping.

“I am looking forward to the students enjoying the beauty around them as they study and work. There are so many lessons you can learn from nature,” said Sr. Soplata. “My hope is that this outdoor space will help the students and faculty become attuned to the wonders of creation around them. The JB property is so beautiful and this will hopefully enhance the experience of learning for them. We hope it provides a peaceful setting to learn, explore, and relax!”

Sr. Barbara’s parents, Walter and Peggy Soplata, and her sister, Mary Bradford also enjoyed nature. Growing up on 17 acres in the country in Newbury, Ohio, it was easy to spend most of their time in the garden, woods, or fields. Outside, they played with their pet ducks, chickens, cats, rabbits, and horses.

“We are looking forward to offering our students a unique space to learn,” said Chris McCloskey, Principal of Julie Billiart School Lyndhurst. “We have always seen such a positive change in our students when they are able to spend time outside. Now with this space and the ability to hold lessons outside, we are hopeful that we will see academic and social growth. I look forward to seeing all of our students, faculty, and staff taking advantage of this new space!”

The outdoor classroom at JB Lyndhurst will be outfitted with plenty of seating, umbrellas, and a portable Promethean ActivBoard (being purchased through EANS Funds) that will allow the staff to include technology in their outdoor lessons. Also, much of the furniture purchased was assembled by JB Students.

Outdoor learning has been shown to improve academic performance, boost mood, improve behavior, and offers a unique environment for learning. JB Lyndhurst has undergone other cosmetic changes throughout this summer and the faculty and staff are looking forward to welcoming students back this fall.

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Julie Billiart Schools, a community of schools with campuses in Lyndhurst, Akron, and Westlake, strive to build self-confidence, inspire Christian values, and empower K-8 students with skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm for life-long learning. Small class sizes, onsite specialized therapies, and highly experienced intervention specialists are just a few ways that Julie Billiart Schools take students with mild to moderate autism, ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning difficulties beyond education, and beyond expectations.