NH Project Learning Tree (NHPLT) uses New Hampshire's forests to enhance student understanding and appreciation of the ecological, social and economic values of our natural resources; to stimulate critical and creative thinking; to develop the ability to make informed decisions on environmental issues; and to take responsible action on behalf of the environment. You can find more information about NHPLT at www.nhplt.org.
Connecting Schools to People and Place (CS2P) was developed by NHPLT as a model school improvement program, based on the environment and focused on sustained and intensive professional development. The goal of the CS2P program is to “provide today’s youth with the knowledge, commitment, and skills to be caring stewards of our forests and other natural resources.” Bicentennial Elementary School has been selected as the second New Hampshire school to participate in the CS2P program due to strong administrative support and a desire on the part of the teachers to have support with their science and literacy curricula.
One of the first projects that NHPLT was able to help Bicentennial School with was the creation of the new outdoor classroom. By working closely with the PTO, staff, students, and bringing in resources from NH’s Master Gardner program and Project HOME, NHPLT got to experience firsthand all the positive energy and cooperation that the school’s community embodies. Helping to establish the outdoor classroom is only the first step in this three-year partnership. Erin Hollingsworth, NHPLT’s Education Coordinator, will be visiting the school weekly and throughout the school year to meet with teachers, provide them with support and materials, and assist them in making further connections with local community resources as they work to include the outdoor classroom and the study of the school’s immediate environment into their curricula.
The CS2P program is generously supported by the Dorr Foundation and the American Forest Foundation.