As Waterford Elementary prepares for an upcoming renovation and addition, fourth- and fifth-grade Fusion students shared their voices to shape the future of their school. On Feb. 11, these students presented design ideas for two new outdoor courtyards to promote outdoor learning and connection with nature.
Over the past several months, the LCPS Construction Services team hosted a series of community sessions to gather feedback about Waterford Elementary’s character, community hopes and guiding principles for the renovation and expansion project. Following the final pre-construction presentation in November, the Fusion students researched environmental design to promote outdoor learning.
As members of Waterford Elementary’s Green Team, a program supported by the Office of Sustainability that encourages environmental stewardship, the students approached the project with a strong sustainability focus. They met with Clark Seipt, Director of Sustainability, to share their ideas and top priorities, including raised planters, space for native milkweed to support monarch butterflies, waterproof storage for games and gardening tools, rain barrels and outdoor writing surfaces.
The culmination of the students’ project was presenting their final concepts to an audience of classmates, Waterford Elementary staff, and members of the LCPS Construction Services team. Their designs took many forms, including Minecraft Education designs, blueprint drawings and detailed 3‑D models. Many of the designs included gathering spaces, outdoor tables and garden areas.
The project served as a dynamic learning experience. Students practiced creative problem‑solving, innovation, systems thinking, and self‑directed research. They strengthened public‑speaking skills, applied math concepts like area and perimeter, and explored environmental science.
Gifted resource teacher and Waterford’s Green Team lead, Bethany Waterfall, shared her pride in the students’ work. “Our students truly stepped into the role of environmental designers, researching, planning, and creating plans to reimagine our outdoor learning spaces. What impressed me most was their realization that this project wasn’t just for them, but for future generations of students. Their creativity, open‑mindedness and confidence are things I hope they carry with them for a long time,” said Waterfall.
LCPS Director of Construction Services Melissa Tello praised the students’ thoughtful approach. “The attention to detail in their designs shows how much they care about their school, these outdoor learning spaces, their teachers, and the students who will come after them. We are very impressed,” said Tello.