Around the Schools
Adams Elementary creates courtyard classroom
Artist Ryan 'Henry' Ward completes outdoor mural
The kids at Adams Elementary School have a new outdoor classroom space to look forward to – just in time for spring! A neglected interior courtyard space at the school has been converted into an outdoor classroom to provide a practical and pleasant outdoor space for use by teachers and students.
Custom-built, eco-friendly tables were installed to provide seating and work area for up to 30 students; the landscaping was revitalized; and beloved Seattle muralist Ryan Henry Ward completed work on the 67-foot wide, 14-foot high mural space.
The theme of his mural is "Thriving Diversity" and his idea involves a cast of animal characters working together in several different scenes, including the forest, arctic, jungle and water environments.
Ryan "Henry" Ward is a big fan of Adams' arts-infused education, which has received national recognition and notoriety for its commitment to building strong visual, music and dance programs at the school.
Located in the center of the school, the courtyard classroom has two access points through the school library or through an internal hallway.
The librarian may let children take books outdoors to read on a clear day, or teachers may use the space to teach a special environmental or scientific program that can only be done outdoors.
Additionally, teachers may also use the space to reward their class by taking a lesson plan outdoors for the benefit of giving their class some fresh air and natural light.
The courtyard classroom project is being funded by the Adams PTA, with support from Seattle Public Schools. The project was envisioned and managed by Schelleen Rathkopf, an Adams parent who recognized the potential and importance of a positive outdoor classroom space.
About Adams Elementary
Located at 6110 28th Ave. N.W. in the Ballard neighborhood, Adams Elementary School is a culturally and economically diverse public school best known for its award-winning, arts-infused education program. Adams’ arts program is the only one of its kind in the Seattle School District — and only one of a handful in the nation.
To learn more about the arts-infused education at Adams Elementary, contact Louis Allard at loallard@seattleschools.org. Mr. Allard is a 2nd-grade teacher at Adams and has become known as the school’s “art czar;” or you can visit http://adamses.seattleschools.org/
About Adams Elementary PTA
The Adams Elementary PTA is a nonprofit, membership association that brings together school staff, families, and the community to support a strong academic and arts-rich environment and success for all Adams students. Adams PTA President is Susan Freccia and she can be reached at ptapresident@adamselementary.org.
About the Adams mural
To learn more about the mural work, contact Ryan Henry Ward at ryan@lucibelle.com or visit http://ryanhenryward.com/ where bio information and media kits are available.