Although the morning began with some much-needed rain, the sun came out and blue skies prevailed as Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost dedicated and blessed the new outdoor classroom at St. Ignatius of Antioch School on Cleveland’s West Side.
“This classroom will make a significant difference in the lives of children at St. Ignatius School,” said Tony Grego, parish finance council chair. “It will allow the students to connect with nature here for years to come.”
Bishop Woost offered a blessing and shared a personal connection to St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish.
(See photo gallery above.)
“Thank you so much for the invitation. It is a joy and a privilege to be here. My parents both graduated from St. Ignatius (eighth grade) in 1940. Their families lived in this neighborhood. Seeing this school continue to provide for children is a blessing,” he added.
“We are standing in awe of God’s presence,” the bishop said noting the new outdoor classroom is an opportunity for St. Ignatius students “to discover the awesome works of God. We’ve had some beautiful weather,” he said, noting the rain cleared up before the dedication ceremony started.
“This outdoor classroom was brought to fruition by many,” Bishop Woost said, explaining we should “stand in awe of God’s presence. We ask God to bless this outdoor classroom. Here, the mighty works of God will be shown to the students so they can experience the goodness of the Lord.”
Ron Snow, St. Ignatius principal, explained the genesis of the outdoor classroom. He said after the isolation of the COVID-10 pandemic, “we needed to see the beauty of nature that God has created.” He said the outdoor classroom grew from that desire.
The new space includes raised garden beds where students can grow vegetables and flowers, a pollinator garden, a bench, an outdoor screen, several brightly colored tables, a sensory wall, a “Buddy Bench,” artificial turf and a gravel walkway. The space is tucked behind a sturdy, tall wooden fence and is accessible from the school building. Students can come outside to the classroom to finish their work, to write, journal, to read or for lessons.
“We are truly excited for this space we now have,” Snow added.
Two students – Riley, a fourth grader, and Rashad, an eighth grader – shared their thoughts about the new classroom.
“Learning outside will be fun and exciting. I look forward to planting vegetables and flowers in the gardens,” Riley said.
“I am excited about the outdoor classroom,” said Rashad, adding, “I wish it had happened sooner,” lamenting that he will have only one year to enjoy the new space.
Snow said work began in earnest to plan the outdoor classroom last year. That included fundraising efforts. It took about 2 ½ weeks to complete the project, he added.
Frank O'Linn, superintendent of Catholic schools for the diocese, and Tracey Arnone, associate superintendent of schools, were among those who attended the event.
After the ceremonial ribbon cutting and the bishop’s blessing of the new space, Father Kevin Estabrook, St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish pastor, invited the group to enjoy a social and refreshments in the gym.
St. Ignatius of Antioch School opened in 1904, two years after the parish was established.