USJ Honors 40 Year Employee with New Outdoor Classroom

JACKSON, Tn.-On Thursday the University School of Jackson celebrated the completion and dedication of their new outdoor classroom, by paying tribute to their beloved 40-year employee, Lisa Cates.

“Lisa has been a cornerstone to the university school, Jackson and Old Hickory Academy beforehand, since 1984. And so, again, we can think of nobody that deserved this honor more. She has served so many students along the way, so many staff and faculty, and it's just been a bedrock for our community.” said Russ Ellis USJ, Chief Development Officer.

Ellis explains that the outdoor classroom was made to provide students with a new innovative way to learn.

“Well, one of the things we found out during COVID was that we have a lot of room outdoors. So USJ is blessed to sit on 125 acres and get the kids outside to get some vitamin D and to learn while they're outside to create a different setting for them, which can create a kind of a fresh approach to learning.”

The outdoor classroom is designed to fit up to 22 students and is open to all teachers.

“We're talking about kindergarten through fifth grade, all having access to it and their class schedules are a little different. So, it can certainly be utilized all day long on certain days.”

According to the chief development officer, the school looks to possibly build another outdoor classroom in the next five to six years. He believes it is a great way to keep the children energized and excited about learning.