On October 9th, Mr. Brotherton agreed to an interview discussing his detailed vision for an outdoor classroom here at Catoctin High School. First, the biology teacher was questioned about the origins of his idea– “I guess the first time I thought about it was in college.” He cited his experiences at Frederick Community College and American University, two schools with gorgeous outdoor environments and public gardens. Brotherton dreamt of an outdoor workspace that would expand opportunities for students, and this dream continued into his teaching career. Now, he wants to bring the joy of the great outdoors to CHS students with classes and new co-curricular activities that take place outside. Mr. Brotherton pitched his idea to the central office six-eight months ago, however, making changes to the structure of our traditional school system is an extensive process.
Receiving county approval for a school garden was enough hassle itself– but despite the obstacles, Brotherton managed to secure a 500 dollar grant to cover the cost of some raised garden beds; these beds, along with the rest of the outdoor classroom, will be fully accessible to students with accessibility needs. Mr. Brotherton has already accomplished much more than expected in creating a positive change at CHS, and with a little more support and a whole lot of stubbornness, his dreams of an outdoor classroom can finally be brought to life.
“The dream vision is there would be an area for direct instruction with an outdoor whiteboard and benches for students to sit on,” Brotherton shared. “There would be another area with a vegetable garden that the Environmental Conservation Club would run with the Learning For Life Program…there would [also] be picnic tables for people to work together collaboratively.” The teacher’s pitch also includes a small amphitheater outside of the math wing for plays, speeches, and other activities that would no longer be limited to the school auditorium. This outdoor theater would be surrounded by gorgeous butterfly and vegetable gardens, complete with a Monarch Waystation to help sustain the reproduction and yearly migration of monarch butterflies.
Brotherton was asked how he believed students would benefit from an outdoor classroom, to which he responded “Our school has a billion dollar view… it’s not something we get to take advantage of.” He, of course, mentioned the scientific benefits of surrounding oneself with nature, including the production of serotonin and the alleviation of depression symptoms. “Being outside in a garden kind of changes the way you think. You’re embedded in your environment,” he reasoned.
“If students want to make changes, they need to be involved and willing to work.” As the adviser of the Environmental Conservation Club, Mr. Brotherton knows a thing or two about getting his hands dirty in order to create a positive change in the community. “Changes don’t happen unless you start doing it yourself. Speak up, be willing to do it yourself, and stay positive– Because we are making good changes here at Catoctin.”
