JMS Wildlife Habitat and Outdoor Classroom

The JMS Wildlife Habitat and Outdoor Classroom is comprised of students, teachers, and community members. Led by the Habitat Club (grades 6-8), members have converted the empty lot near the front of the school into a unique educational setting. The Habitat and Outdoor Classroom is an ongoing project. This year, students and community volunteers have installed bird houses and feeders, a hiking trail, a pavilion that accommodates a class of 30 children, and a variety of native wildflowers, grasses, trees and flowering shrubs. The Habitat has also won grants from Lowe’s Toolbox for Education grant ($5,000) and Captain Planet.

This project represents several aspects of JMS’s strive for excellence. It is a student-focused project, instilling ownership, leadership, and accomplishment in our students. It also demonstrates JMS’s emphasis on quality education by providing authentic, hands-on learning experiences for students. Additionally, it represents the intimate connection between successful schools and a willing community. Much of the Habitat and Outdoor Classroom would not have been possible were it not for the commitment and generosity of local businesses, scouts, students, parents and other individuals in Jefferson and surrounding areas.

The teachers, administrators, and students at JMS are excited about our Wildlife Habitat and Outdoor Classroom and invite you to walk the trail to observe our progress. If you would like to be involved in our project, please contact 7th Grade Science teacher and Habitat Club advisor--Mrs. McAuley.

Keith Hayes & volunteers work tirelessly to construct the new facility.

Students in Mrs. McAuley’s life science class identifying native trees at the new outdoor facility.

Classes at JMS enjoying use of the new pavilion in the Wildlife Habitat and Outdoor Classroom.

The Outdoor classroom seating provides a space for teachers and students to make learning active.