Cohort 4 with Dallas ISD is ongoing with the design phase—we are continuing to meet with campus leadership and teachers to collect input on desired outdoor learning themes, getting updated plans from our landscape architects, and sharing updates with the bond team, and conducting site visits. We will begin community engagement and collaboration in May, with plans to table at local farmer’s markets, library events etc.
Last week, we planted 50 trees at Thomas J. Rusk Middle School (6th and 7th grade science classes). We planted 16 native species in a micro forest design, with the goal of creating a carbon sink for the high-traffic area. In the next month we will be installing educational signage for the school discussing the design as well as lessons and activities for teachers to use for hands-on learning.
For this group of Cool Schools, construction begins next summer and tree plantings are planned for Fall 2024.
