Stapleton School received certification as an official Outdoor Classroom School through the Alabama Wildlife Federation (AWF) Alabama Outdoor Classroom Program on Wednesday, May 15, becoming the fifth school in the Baldwin County Public Schools system to do so.

The school also received Schoolyard Wildlife Habitat certification through the National Wildlife Federation and will create a model for others to follow in hopes of generating more hands-on, inquiry-based learning opportunities across the state. AWF honored Stapleton with an official Alabama Outdoor Classroom certification sign and an Outdoor Classroom Activity Kit, which includes field identification guides, magnifying loupes and other helpful educational materials.

"The Alabama Outdoor Classroom Program is a partnership between the AWF, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR)," AWF explains. "Through this partnership, we provide technical assistance for schools who want to develop sustainable outdoor learning stations and wildlife habitats that teachers can use for engaging, investigative activities that allow students of all ages to utilize their math, science, history, geography and language arts skills in a fun and exciting environment."