Wicked Local
EASTON – When the Blanche A. Ames Elementary School opens in January 2023, a large ramp will curve from the spacious cafeteria to the second floor, and along it will be a colorful, interactive timeline of Ames’ life geared to young learners, thanks to a group of Oliver Ames High School students.
The timeline, designed like a children’s museum exhibit with hands-on activities, questions and pictures, was created by the project architect Perkins Eastman, working with six past and present OAHS students.
The firm reached out to the school district last year to see if students were interested in providing input to the project, especially because the new $94.8 million early elementary school will be on the same campus as the other schools, said Dawn Guarriello, designer and project architect for Perkins Eastman.
Wicked Local
EASTON – By late May or early June, Heather Morecock hopes to see her fellow students enjoying an outdoor classroom in a courtyard at Oliver Ames High School.
Morecock’s senior project, Thinking in Sunlight, is to create a place for students to learn out in the fresh air or just spend time. With COVID, having an outdoor classroom space will be particularly helpful.
“The goal of this project is not only to provide students with a unique learning space, but to also teach students the importance of fostering a respectful relationship with nature,” Morecock said. “It is my hope that this classroom will enhance Easton s pursuit of sustainable development.”