Melissa Miller
2019
Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Mead Elementary Charter School
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Miller’s innovative idea, “Outdoor Learning Center,” will provide students and community members from all socioeconomic backgrounds opportunities for enrichment in a screen-free outdoor learning environment, addressing the nature deficit and social-emotional needs that children and adults of today are facing. Students who utilize the future multi-sensory Outdoor Learning Center will participate in outdoor education and general curriculum lessons. Additionally, the center will provide a space for community programming and it will be the first of its kind in the Wisconsin Rapids community. Each area of the center will incorporate multi-sensory learning with music, movement, gardening, climbing, building, gathering, recycling, and nature art.