Jozef p.
The teaching staff at Caroline Elementary School was clearly determined in making the school experience a positive one. The school practiced inclusiveness in many ways but one that stuck out to me was by circling up to talk as a cohesive group. When our class of nearly forty college students showed up, we were treated no different, the principle insisted we circle up in the lobby, even as such a large group to get the experience that students, parents and teachers practice. Initially this practice seemed odd to myself but over time it became apparent it was general practice with the best of intentions. It shows to the students that everyone is equal in every way and symbolizes a common team and goal as well as bolsters camaraderie. I was glad to see this ideal was being practiced to engage all the students. It reminded me of a quote "Children are the world's most valuable resource and its best hope for the future." -JFK
Caroline Elementary School is a delightfully modern style building built in the 1950's. The school is situated on the site at an angle to the main road Route 79 and diagonally across the site. This angle seemed to me an obstacle to organizing elements on the site such as the parking and play areas. The south end of the property has a small wooden area that Six Mile Creek runs along which serves as the property bounds. The grounds themselves have a vast lawn behind the school used as sports fields. The school is lucky to have so much space to play as well as potential amenities like the Creek that can be used to educate children with their outdoor environment.
Caroline Elementary School is a delightfully modern style building built in the 1950's. The school is situated on the site at an angle to the main road Route 79 and diagonally across the site. This angle seemed to me an obstacle to organizing elements on the site such as the parking and play areas. The south end of the property has a small wooden area that Six Mile Creek runs along which serves as the property bounds. The grounds themselves have a vast lawn behind the school used as sports fields. The school is lucky to have so much space to play as well as potential amenities like the Creek that can be used to educate children with their outdoor environment.
Hannah K.
At the site visit of Caroline Elementary I could not believe how much potential this site had. I envisioned the many possible opportunities. The location of this site could provide many learning opportunities, activities and spaces. The rural location of the site provides many ecological habitats and settings to take place on this site, which can aid in many learning opportunities to happen at Caroline Elementary.
Larissa A.
Erick M.
My first impression about the Caroline Elementary School was very positive. We were told about some dangerous issues that the school was facing; however when we arrived there we noticed that it was just a clerical issue. The first activity that everyone participated was very interesting, each person had to describe in one word our elementary school and after that, we talked to Mary Grover who introduced the school and the school principles. Also, I was very impressed with the environment outside school. Some elements such as the playground, the trail, and the soccer field impressed me because I was not used to see this in elementary school in Brazil. Usually, public elementary school does not have these facilities that I saw at Caroline Elementary School. I was also impressed with the technologies that students use in order to make some activities more interesting and consequently learning more. Additionally, the most important for me was to see the commitment and the effort that the staff have with the school and students. It is clear that there are people inside that school that really want to make the school a better place.
Connor G.
Upon arriving to Caroline Elementary with little background knowledge on the site, except for the ever present negatively, I found myself positively surprised. The school seemed simple and even safe with all the usual essentials that most elementary schools I have seen in my past have had. It provided quick parental pick up/drop off for the kids with an average looking bus road only as safe as every school I've ever been in. There is a separate parking lot for the teachers which may possibly help prevent unwanted interactions with any disgruntled parents. The school's backyard however provided a lush landscape for opportunity. Right from the start I didn't see any negative happenstances or areas of potential danger. The playgrounds are fully visibly to the school windows and close as well. Most of the free rein areas are vast and used as soccer fields, though possibly, but not confirmed used as a septic area. The real wonders of the school's backyard is its proximity to Sixmile Creek and the splendid winding trails within the forest that leads up to it. The thoughts on safety in this forest almost seem pointless due to the way it already stands. The growing issue of the knot weed almost acts as a barrier preventing students and kids from progressing too far off path. The use and idea of outdoor classrooms fascinates me. One suggestion on a better use of classrooms in the forest would to place one right on the creek instead of stopping people short of it.
kate c.
Approaching the site, we passed through beautiful valleys, along marshes, creeks, forest, farms, and homes. This is where some of the students at Caroline live, and the spatial context that the school is a part of. We watched the buses pull into the driveway in front of the school. It was hard to see around the buses. Indeed, many of the students we watched craned their necks and walked back and forth on the sidewalk in order to find their bus. We met the principal and as we stood in a circle in the main entry foyer, we were introduced to the Caroline Elementary philosophy of treating all members of the group as equal. Our group walked through the halls past brightly painted murals to a classroom with an entire wall of windows, with bird feeders hanging nearby. We were shown a video about some current programming, involving the forest and using iPads. I was a bit disheartened to see footage of kids perched above the dirt, delicately handling these machines. It seemed like an incongruous blend, but perhaps that it my bias. Rusty Keeler spoke to us about his work as a designer of ‘anarchy zones’. This provided an inspiring example of how soil, landform, water, plant material, and found objects can be provided by designers to be reinterpreted by kids. Outside in the playground area, I tried to think of where I might play if I were my former child self at that place- I would seek out small spaces that could feel like they were ‘mine’, and take advantage also of the large open spaces to stretch my legs and run. The current fence around the wetland area is a harsh treatment for this place that hums with life.
The forest patch between the fields and stream was defined by a thick understory of Japanese knotweed, with tall sycamore, willow, and cottonwood trees rising above. The mottled texture of sycamore bark is striking; the fine leaves of the willow are graceful; cottonwood seeds float in the air like tiny balloons. The knotweed creates the spatial experience of having tunnel vision, as one cannot see where the path leads as it turns. The stream itself was beautiful, flowing clear and providing pleasant ambient noise at its edges and within the forest. Streamside rocks were round and smooth, the water not too cool to put my feet in. The small hill at the back of one of the fields provided the opportunity to roll down, dizzily catching up with my group. At the Children’s Garden, we indulged in all the play features- ringing bells; balancing on tires, swings, and wooden planks; squeezing beneath willow structures; relaxing on a swing; admiring the vegetable garden harvest; walking along a meadow path, and on the back of a giant turtle. Slightly bruised, dirty, laughing as the day dimmed- for a moment I did feel like the kid I was.
The forest patch between the fields and stream was defined by a thick understory of Japanese knotweed, with tall sycamore, willow, and cottonwood trees rising above. The mottled texture of sycamore bark is striking; the fine leaves of the willow are graceful; cottonwood seeds float in the air like tiny balloons. The knotweed creates the spatial experience of having tunnel vision, as one cannot see where the path leads as it turns. The stream itself was beautiful, flowing clear and providing pleasant ambient noise at its edges and within the forest. Streamside rocks were round and smooth, the water not too cool to put my feet in. The small hill at the back of one of the fields provided the opportunity to roll down, dizzily catching up with my group. At the Children’s Garden, we indulged in all the play features- ringing bells; balancing on tires, swings, and wooden planks; squeezing beneath willow structures; relaxing on a swing; admiring the vegetable garden harvest; walking along a meadow path, and on the back of a giant turtle. Slightly bruised, dirty, laughing as the day dimmed- for a moment I did feel like the kid I was.
wilivan s.
Caroline elementary school showed me a completely different view of school work. When I first arrived there, I saw many different things happening. The size of the site and the structure amazed me that had never seen something like that in my country. However, after a while I could see some similarities. For example, the children and also the staff that were working with them. The dismissal time happened in a way that I just saw in movies. Many buses departing almost at the same time, noise and happiness of the children gave me a good feeling of the place. Then, I could not believe that the school had the problem it was supposed to have. How could that place be dangerous? I talked to myself. I did not see any problem for the children that were going home except for the things they were saying for some of my friends. The experience of being there at that time gave me the necessary feeling to start working in something great. It was a great moment.
marshall s.
When first arriving at Caroline, I think that most of the class was prepared to see some major safety issues and chaos during dismissal. The ranking of most dangerous elementary school in the state was sitting at the front of everybody's minds because none of us really understood at the time that it was some sort of clerical issue. That being said, I was incredibly surprised to see that Caroline looked like a well run elementary school the staff seemed to be very competent and the facilities, though in need of some repair and maintenance in areas, looked to be in good shape. I was surprised to see some relatively new looking playground equipment as well as the extent of field space that they have behind the school, but what was without a doubt the most interesting amenity at Caroline was the forested nature walk that they have at their disposal. I think that that area of the property presents an incredibly unique opportunity for design and can be integrated and woven into the rest of the property in an amazing way. Most elementary schoolers don't have the opportunity to be outside in that sort of environment, making the educational opportunities for these Caroline students very unordinary.
I think that when I was first beginning to grasp this thought I realized that Caroline could put a huge focus on environmental learning because of this creek walk. It could become an elementary school known as having an ecological niche in which a large emphasis is put on this sort of outdoor study. Caroline Elementary provides a great opportunity to become a very progressive and forward thinking project in elementary education.
I think that when I was first beginning to grasp this thought I realized that Caroline could put a huge focus on environmental learning because of this creek walk. It could become an elementary school known as having an ecological niche in which a large emphasis is put on this sort of outdoor study. Caroline Elementary provides a great opportunity to become a very progressive and forward thinking project in elementary education.
Rose H.
Prior to visiting the Caroline Elementary school I had anticipated seeing some immediate problem areas due to the school being listed as persistently dangerous. Growing up in a similar setting, I couldn't imagine what could make a school the size of Caroline Elementary an 'unsafe place.' After we observed dismissal and proceeded to tour the school grounds and gain more information it was apparent that the school wasn't listed as dangerous due to physical conditions or violent actions but as a clerical error. I think this put everyone's mind at ease, especially being able to witness the surroundings ourselves and see that the school has a wide range of opportunities within their property boundaries. It seemed like a fantastic area to go to school.
Kimberly C.
The negative rhetoric that Caroline Elementary holds is almost immediately disregarded upon arrival to the school. Witnessing dismissal may have been one of my only initial concerns. The amount of space at the front of the building provides potential to rethink how the busses line up and how they are organized. This goes for the parent pick-up/drop-off as well at the north-west side of the building.
After being introduced to the school principle, Mary Grover, special education teacher, Mr. Vango and natural play-scape designer, Rusty Keeler, it was clear to see that there is passion into improving the school reputation and the property as a whole. I was so impressed by everything that the school had going on; especially outside of the school. They had a vegetable garden that was pretty well maintained with compost, two courtyard-like alcoves on the northwest and south east sides of the building, a wetland area, acres of Soccer fields, a nature trail already equipped with several outdoor classrooms, access to Six Mile Creek and several acres of woodland space for children to explore and learn. This place has immense potential to expand its outdoor learning opportunities and could really be something even more special than it already is.
After being introduced to the school principle, Mary Grover, special education teacher, Mr. Vango and natural play-scape designer, Rusty Keeler, it was clear to see that there is passion into improving the school reputation and the property as a whole. I was so impressed by everything that the school had going on; especially outside of the school. They had a vegetable garden that was pretty well maintained with compost, two courtyard-like alcoves on the northwest and south east sides of the building, a wetland area, acres of Soccer fields, a nature trail already equipped with several outdoor classrooms, access to Six Mile Creek and several acres of woodland space for children to explore and learn. This place has immense potential to expand its outdoor learning opportunities and could really be something even more special than it already is.
jACKSON M.
The first impression I had when we arrived at Caroline Elementary School was of a place full of opportunities and a desire for change. Even though the school had a bad reputation in its past years, it was not what we saw. There we could see a peaceful and organized environment, where faculty seems to work inventively to make that place even better. The school surrounding is spectacular. With nearly 17 acres of woods and a creek, we could notice how much potential that site has to be enjoyed using nature for teaching kids. Besides that, this is my first time working with kids, and being there immediately reminded me my elementary school and the great times that I had with my friends. Therefore, it is a totally new experience for me, even if I had worked with elementary schools in Brazil. Caroline Elementary School also presents a very nice infrastructure, with comfortable and well-equipped classrooms, an innovative playground – that is accessible to handicapped people as well – and other facilities.
mark W.
Upon arriving on the site I couldn't help but notice how beautiful this location was and how much potential this site holds. One of my first concerns was Highway 79 and how close it was to the front of the school. I was impressed by the quick dismissal and how well maintained the property is. My next area of interest is along the forest towards the south of the property. I think this edge has great opportunity for educational expansion. I know this is going to be a very interesting project and be a lot of fun.
helena d.
Upon arriving at Caroline Elementary is first noticed how exposed the front of the school is to Highway 79, to me this immediately raised a concerns but also so many design opportunities. With a large lawn area with only a couple trees, the possibilities are end less in how to make the lawn safer for the kids and be able to use that area again for school.
When we visited Caroline for the first time I toured the grounds and looked at the vegetation that is currently on the school grounds. For an elementary school I feel there is a fairly good amount of vegetation but it can always be brought to the next level. Also, some of the beds could use a little help with maintenance but I believe if we design a landscape with a maintenance plan, the grounds will look even better then they currently do. Caroline Elementary has so many opportunities and I believe this will be a great and fun project to be a part of.
When we visited Caroline for the first time I toured the grounds and looked at the vegetation that is currently on the school grounds. For an elementary school I feel there is a fairly good amount of vegetation but it can always be brought to the next level. Also, some of the beds could use a little help with maintenance but I believe if we design a landscape with a maintenance plan, the grounds will look even better then they currently do. Caroline Elementary has so many opportunities and I believe this will be a great and fun project to be a part of.
emma o.
Upon landing at Caroline Elementary, I was flooded with nostalgia, instantly taken back to my childhood. The school walls I'd run my fingers over walking single file to the cafeteria, the now "miniature" chairs and desks that seemed so vast and heavy, the gigantic classroom windows that offered calm scenery to juxtapose the classroom craziness. A grand majority of elementary schools have the same relatable set-up, however, I've never been able to compare them before this project. So, what sets Caroline Elementary apart from my old elementary school, elementary schools in New York State, or even around the world?
Caroline Elementary is embedded in it's landscape, which is already the main difference between my elementary school and ones like it. Caroline has already taken advantage of the numerous features in its surrounding landscape. The development of a careful master plan to aid in the holistic improvement of this precious place is ultimately going to put Caroline Elementary among some of the best schools in New York State, if not the world. It's so strange to think that we were all once as small as the children who are now essentially our clients. If we can put ourselves back in time, using our nostalgia to generate this plan, we will succeed!
Caroline Elementary is embedded in it's landscape, which is already the main difference between my elementary school and ones like it. Caroline has already taken advantage of the numerous features in its surrounding landscape. The development of a careful master plan to aid in the holistic improvement of this precious place is ultimately going to put Caroline Elementary among some of the best schools in New York State, if not the world. It's so strange to think that we were all once as small as the children who are now essentially our clients. If we can put ourselves back in time, using our nostalgia to generate this plan, we will succeed!
dan o.
As stated by my peers the visit to Caroline Elementary school was eye opening in a variety of senses. Honestly, I could not believe how young the students were! I haven't spent much time with children so their youth seams so unfamiliar at first glance. I am looking forward to the next visit, spending time with a student will really open my eyes to the life of a 5th grader!
I was also surprised at the context of a rural school system. Much different from my own elementary experiences, I believe that there are many great opportunities that arise. I am excited for the next few stages of the design process because the principle and faculty are very excited about this project.
I was also surprised at the context of a rural school system. Much different from my own elementary experiences, I believe that there are many great opportunities that arise. I am excited for the next few stages of the design process because the principle and faculty are very excited about this project.
alisa h.
When we first arrived at Caroline I was attracted to the front of the school. We observed the children leaving the school and getting onto their buses. The children are so observant and engaged in their environment! They were very confused to see all of us there. The school grounds reminded me of my elementary school. There was so many opportunities for the students to be engaged and learn outdoors. Their teachers are so passionate about the students curriculum, especially the outdoors. The trail throughout the woods seems to be the hot spot of the school. All of the students love it and learn a lot with their time spent outside. It would be amazing to have more outdoor classrooms and areas for learning. There could be different types of plantings to teach the students and other aspects that enhance their education. It is such a nice school and the students and faculty are so passionate.
Rodrigo S.
I grew up in the southern part of Brazil, as by this time everybody knows it. My town was small and so was my elementary school. My first impressions of the site were, of course, being compared to what a elementary school was for me. Caroline Elementary seemed to be so much more than I expected! It is a really nice place! I could notice that even in such a large area, Caroline has a enormous variety of "places" within spaces. For example, the area in between the two bars that constitute the building is a PLACE. You can see that that spot fits the scale of a child and that was what impressed me the most. I think that Caroline is already a nice school, but it has also potential to become more than just it. It has potential to become. Something is going on there and I really hope that we'll be able to help it come out.
bill o.
First arriving at Caroline elementary I was a bit surprised. The way that the problem was framed in class lead me to believe that, the school was dangerous. From descriptions both verbal and online, I expected to see:
A chaotic dismissal that would need to be organized
A high traffic road that would need physical and visual barriers for the schools safety
An unorganized, unconstrained and overall lacking school yard.
However I found the highway quiet, the school location remote, and the kids well behaved.
I enjoyed speaking with Mary Brian, and Rusty about the children and the school itself. I really felt that I got a sense of their mission and vision for the school and how to go about it. I am looking forward to getting to interact with some of the kids and getting their perspective of the current school yard situation and seeing how the opinions of 7 year-olds measure up to those of the teacher’s, designer’s, and principal’s.
A chaotic dismissal that would need to be organized
A high traffic road that would need physical and visual barriers for the schools safety
An unorganized, unconstrained and overall lacking school yard.
However I found the highway quiet, the school location remote, and the kids well behaved.
I enjoyed speaking with Mary Brian, and Rusty about the children and the school itself. I really felt that I got a sense of their mission and vision for the school and how to go about it. I am looking forward to getting to interact with some of the kids and getting their perspective of the current school yard situation and seeing how the opinions of 7 year-olds measure up to those of the teacher’s, designer’s, and principal’s.
Sarah degray
When first arriving at Caroline Elementary School I was expecting a place that had the appearance of an ‘unsafe’ school, but was really surprised when I did not see it. In all honesty Caroline was very much like my old elementary school, with a rural twist. This school has some great staff who really care about the future of Caroline. With this said I think that the landscape has great potential to have a huge impact with the kids. The creek that runs along the backside of the school creates interesting landscape against the typical playground scene. Not only aiding in learning but also with habitat and ecology this trail system has a lot to offer not only the school but the community as well. With the gem that is the outdoor class room learning areas, this school is taken from ordinary to extraordinary.
Chris Rurkowski
Caroline Elementary School is a place where I see significant potential for learning in new ways. The school's property has the unique feature of a natural creek running in its back yard along with a staff that is willing to exploit it's opportunities. The front of the school to the back of the school is a harsh transition from a busy road that is all business, to almost a natural wilderness setting in the back by the time you reach the creek. There is a good diversity of species and ways to play and learn on the site in between the school and the creek. You can look at the beautiful oaks and maples that are planted around the playgrounds, the wildflowers in the bio retention area at the side of the school, or the various species on your path to the creek, some invasive and some native. These species can help the kids to learn about biodiversity and succession as well as the parts that make up a floodplain around the creek. Most importantly there are thousands of questions for the students to ask about everything from the soil type, to why there are openings in the canopy above them. The diversity of wildlife in and near the creek. The cultural norms of mowing their large fields and their highly programmed playground versus nature's playground of natural succession and disturbances.