By Staff
OUTDOOR CLASS Vicki Adcock, right, a sixth grade teacher at Clarkdale Attendance Center, shows students Will Caraway, left, and Lauren Robinson the site of a new outdoor classroom. A $500 grant Adcock received Monday from BellSouth will help fund the classroom's construction. Photo by Fredie Carmichael/The Meridian Star
By Fredie Carmichael/The Meridian Star
Dec. 11, 2001
Vicki Adcock considers herself a hands-on learner who always did better studying outdoors rather than in the confines of a classroom.
Adcock plans to use a $500 grant from BellSouth for a 1-acre outdoor classroom on the school campus furnishing it with tables, benches, running water and a fence.
Adcock applied for the grant last spring to build "Bulldog Retreat," the outdoor classroom she named after the school's bulldog mascot. She officially received the money on Monday.
Grant money
Adcock was one of 53 Mississippi school teachers including four from Lauderdale County and Meridian public schools who received BellSouth Teacher Grants this year.
The grant program is designed to help teachers implement innovative teaching projects in their classrooms. The local winners were chosen from among 400 applicants statewide.
Besides Adcock, West Lauderdale Elementary School teacher Sheila Scott got a $445 grant. Scott plans to use her money to help students with special needs or serious illnesses.
Oakland Heights Elementary School teacher Christie Rowcliff received $500. She plans to use the grant to create game areas and outdoor game boards to promote character education.
Oakland Heights Elementary teacher Ronnie Shumaker received $500, his sixth straight grant. He plans to use the money to raise rabbits and earthworms that will be sold in the community.
Education commitment
C.D. Smith, regional manager of BellSouth in Meridian, presented the four teachers with their checks Monday. BellSouth is committed to improving education at many levels, he said.
Adcock said once construction is complete early next year, her students will use the outdoor classroom for math and science class. She said all elementary students will be able to use it.
Lauren Robinson, 11, and one of Adcock's 27 students, said she can't wait for the new classroom.
Fredie Carmichael is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call him at 693-1551, ext. 3228, or e-mail him at fcarmichael@themeridianstar.com.