The outdoor classroom program at Marcy Elementary School was awarded a grant by the Wisconsin Retired Educators' Association recently. 

The school's Education Naturally program was awarded $2,000 after having two outdoor classrooms since 2010. 

The outdoor classrooms (are) a place where students can be “unplugged” and generate new ideas and inquiries by exploring their natural surroundings," said  Tricia Mayer, a first grade teacher who applied for the grant, in describing the program, according to a statement from the district.

"It is a popular place for students to gather to read and play math games. Science and environmental education content standards are taught hands-on using rain gauges, a sun dial, thermometers and bird feeders."