Structures for Environmental Learning
• Swansfield students use the native species garden and wetlands as outdoor class areas to learn about these natural habitats. As an example, the Green Beanz, after receiving direction from master gardeners on how to restore natural habitats, created a plan to add signage and flowers to further restore the wetlands. As another example, Mrs. Clegg takes individual classes of 25 2nd grade students to these restored habitats to look for native birds and listen to their calls. Mrs. Clegg is not only a paraeducator, but also a bird watcher and member of the Howard County Bird Club for many years.
• Swansfield received a Safe Routes to School grant in 2007, and one outcome from that grant was a paved walking path which students use all the time during recess and p.e. Students are required to walk/run lap at the beginning of recess everyday, and most students participate in Fitness Fridays going around the path as often as they can during recess. The entire school also participates in the annual Turkey Trot in November.