BCEF donates $54K for outdoor learning area at Batesville Middle School

(BATESVILLE, Ind.) – The Batesville Community Education Foundation (BCEF) has raised $54,000 to help Batesville Middle School build an outdoor learning area. 

Batesville Middle School is currently finalizing plans for the new space. The donation could be used for tiered outdoor seating, a classroom pergola, an outdoor whiteboard, solar ovens, raised garden beds, and hydroponic gardening kits.

The school opened in 1975 and the fundraising effort coincided with the 50th anniversary. 

“When BMS first opened in 1975, it featured an outdoor learning area, which eventually had to be removed when the building’s footprint expanded,” said Anne Wilson, BCEF executive director. “The BCEF board thought it was fitting to bring back fresh-air learning 50 years later, providing teachers with a dedicated space to take classwork outside and students with a break from the four walls of a traditional learning space.”

Batesville Middle School Principal Dave Strouse added that the school is grateful to have BCEF and their fundraising initiative for the project. 

“We are looking at possible collaborative efforts within the school system to build some of the items on our wish list to make the money go as far as it possibly can. By creatively using our resources, we’re sure that we can provide an exceptional new outdoor space for our students that enhances learning at BMS.”

BCEF is a nonprofit organization that works to provide additional funding for innovative learning opportunities at Batesville Schools.