Outdoor classroom honors the legacy of Pinewood Elementary teacher

Students at Pinewood Elementary School in Mount Holly are accustomed to learning inside the classroom, but now they will get a chance to do some learning outside as well. 

The school held a ceremony on October 11 to officially open its outdoor classroom.  Students and teachers are looking forward to having a place for teaching and learning in a new environment. 

The outdoor classroom was created to honor the memory of retired teacher Patsy Norwood, who taught at Pinewood for more than 20 years.  She loved being outdoors and was always learning something new so the outdoor classroom idea seemed like the ideal way for family and friends to remember her. 

The project was put together by Norwood’s daughters, Nancy Roy and Jane Rowe, and friend, Mark Jessen, who attended Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with Norwood.  Roy said when they saw the courtyard area, they knew it was the right place to design an outdoor classroom. 

“We walked around the school, but when we saw this location, we said this is it – this is perfect,” said Rowe.

Pinewood is one of three elementary schools in Gaston County – along with Rankin and W.A. Bess – to be named a North Carolina A+ School.  North Carolina A+ Schools are known for integrating the arts across all areas of the curriculum.  The outdoor classroom will play a significant role in involving the arts in lessons and activities, according to Pinewood principal Kimberly Reese. 

“This new outdoor classroom space will be a place that involves students in many activities, projects, and lessons,” said W. Jeffrey Booker, Superintendent of Schools.  “There is something about being outdoors that sparks creativity, enhances learning, and gives students the opportunity to be engaged thinkers.”  

During a ceremony for Norwood’s family and friends, Rowe and Roy said their main goal was to have something at Pinewood that represents their mom’s legacy. 

“She would be so proud because she loved the outdoors, she loved teaching, and she loved her church, and this project is all three things coming together,” said Roy. “She would have loved to have a space like this.  It’s an amazing tribute.”

The sisters are pleased to know that their mother’s passion for teaching young minds will continue in the new outdoor classroom space.

“We want to thank the teachers who are here with us today,” Rowe said to the people gathered for the ceremony.  “You’re the ones who are going to bring the learning to this outdoor classroom.”

The ceremony was recorded, and it will air the week of October 24-30 on Spectrum Channel 21, which is the Education Station for Gaston County Schools, at 10:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. each day.