PHWC Board Members and PHES Administrators: (L to R)
New Preston Hollow Elementary School Principal Genette Peralta Suarez, Counselor Rhiannon Vejar, Marie McCoy, Valerie Boyd, Becky Alost, Kitty Galvin, Cindy Langford, Beth Denton, Gayle Porter, Assistant Principal Andrew C. Barbee, Beth McGaw, Jennifer Bienstock-Cohen, Cyril Hosley, Mindy Stenger and Elaine Walters.
The Preston Hollow Women’s Club continues its outdoor learning classroom project in collaboration with Preston Hollow Elementary School during the summer.
In 2020, PHWC initiated a project to create an outdoor learning classroom at Preston Hollow Elementary School and aimed at enriching the learning experience in an alternative environment. Throughout the 2021-22 school year, PHWC successfully raised enough funds to begin Phase 1 of the project, which involved drainage improvements, installation of sidewalks, and other necessary enhancements.
“Having a safe outdoor space to play and learn has done wonders for the attitudes of our learners and teachers,” PHES vice president, Dr. Andrew Barbee, said. “We are forever grateful to the members of PHWC for providing the funding for this space and for caring about our neighborhood school.”
During a monthly board meeting, the PHWC board members discussed the ongoing development of the outdoor learning classroom. Since its creation, the space has been utilized for activities beyond traditional classroom settings.
Groundbreaking of the Outdoor Classroom. Photo courtesy of PHWC
“I am able to take students who may be having a difficult time at home or in the classroom for one-on-one time to the Outdoor Classroom,” school counselor Rhiannon Vejar said. “They’re able to relax, calm down and talk in a safe environment, away from the traditional classroom.”
The funds raised during the 2022-23 school year will be allocated for the next phase, which will include ample workspace for students during their outdoor projects. Additionally, in June, twelve convertible benches were installed as part of the ongoing efforts.
“It’s been an honor and joy to help one of our neighborhood schools with this special classroom area,” PHWC Philanthropy Chair, Cindy Langford, said.
