Cooke Elementary Outdoor Learning

Cooke Elementary Outdoor Learning Cooke Elementary discovers the magic of nature. Creating learning spaces and a nature path to enhance our instruction.

One student used his imagination to "roast" a "marshmallow" leaf for Ms. McFadden to make her a s'more. He added a fire ...
06/15/2026

One student used his imagination to "roast" a "marshmallow" leaf for Ms. McFadden to make her a s'more. He added a fire with the teepee formation to his team's forest fairy shelter.

On Friday, June 12th, Mr. Fountain, Mr. Wilbur and Ms. McFadden used their Forest School training to guide Mr. Fountain'...
06/15/2026

On Friday, June 12th, Mr. Fountain, Mr. Wilbur and Ms. McFadden used their Forest School training to guide Mr. Fountain's first graders in gathering materials from the forest to create shelter's for the playground fairies and pixies. The first graders collaborated and cooperated to build unique shelters in this STEM activity. In the woods, they saw an Eastern Newt (the orange salamander), heard an Ovenbird ("teacher, teacher") and a Gray Catbird, walked across a log, and learned about moss and lichen.

Small groups of the nature ambassadors are presenting to classes about the importance of caring for our outdoor spaces. ...
05/13/2026

Small groups of the nature ambassadors are presenting to classes about the importance of caring for our outdoor spaces. While practicing public speaking and reading skills, our nature ambassadors are also spreading the message about the benefits of insects in nature and proper treatment of our school's materials. More photos to come...

At their meeting earlier this month, the nature ambassadors were given a task by their advisors, Ms. McFadden and Ms. Ro...
05/13/2026

At their meeting earlier this month, the nature ambassadors were given a task by their advisors, Ms. McFadden and Ms. Rodriguez, to use teamwork and creativity to create a structure with our school's wood cookies and natural wood blocks. Each group presented their creations to the others who provided feedback to the team. The consensus was "when do we get to do something like this again?"

Thanks to a grant from Sullivan 180, 10 staff members attended 2 days of Forest School training this week and are lookin...
05/13/2026

Thanks to a grant from Sullivan 180, 10 staff members attended 2 days of Forest School training this week and are looking forward to taking students outside to experience the joys of nature. The staff members learned who to integrate nature learning through Next Gen Science Standards into Math and ELA lessons. They learned about the pillars of forest school pedagogy including risk assessment, wholistic learning and play. The health and wellness benefits of being in nature were felt by all.

Making S'more Memories at Cooke Literacy Night is happening tonight from 5:15 to 6:45 PM. Join us for a fun-filled eveni...
05/06/2026

Making S'more Memories at Cooke Literacy Night is happening tonight from 5:15 to 6:45 PM.

Join us for a fun-filled evening including: Camp Read S'more in the Library (reading under the tents or around the "campfire"), Sing along sessions with Alan Sorensen (sponsored by EPIC) and Dave C**n, Story time and activities with Cooke School teachers, PTO sponsored Scholastic Book Fair Buy One Get One Free (stock up on your summer reading), a "campout" meal of hot dogs, baked beans, pasta salad and a slice of watermelon and Making S'mores around the campfire (our local scouts will be working hard to keep the fires going if the weather does not cooperate)

Bring an umbrella or wear your raincoats - s'mores made on a campfire are the best!

Cooke Fun Run needs your support! Only one week left to raise funds for our outdoor learning areas.We have used the fund...
05/06/2026

Cooke Fun Run needs your support! Only one week left to raise funds for our outdoor learning areas.

We have used the funds raised in the past to purchase:
1. a homemade picnic table and bird station
2. materials for the mud kitchens and playhouses
3. winter gear for the students (snow pants, snow boots),
4. sleds and toboggans
5. refreshment and materials for our Lantern Walks and Winter Fun Day
6. picture books and teacher resources books for nature-based learning
7. puppets
8. solar lights for our nature path
9. fruit trees, flowering bushes and perennials along the nature path
10.field trips
11. contribution for the prop materials for the spring 2025 nature-based play
12. materials for our nature ambassadors and outdoor learning experiences.

We need to purchase more sleds and would like to buy musical pieces for the playground.

Join us for a cozy evening of campfire-themed fun at Cooke School's Family Literacy Night: Making S'more Memories at Coo...
04/20/2026

Join us for a cozy evening of campfire-themed fun at Cooke School's Family Literacy Night: Making S'more Memories at Cooke! 🍫🔥

Grab your family and head over to Cooke Elementary on May 6, 2026, from 5:15 PM to 6:45 PM for an unforgettable night of stories and treats. We have a full lineup of activities for all our Cooke students and their families:
• 🎶 Live Music Sing-alongs: Set the mood with some great tunes.
• Camp Read-A-Lot in the Library: cozy up under “tents” or around the “campfire” explore books together
• 📖 Story Time with Cooke teachers: Get creative with hands-on activities.
• 📚 Scholastic Book Fair BOGO: Double the books, double the fun! Take advantage of the Buy One, Get One Free deal to stock your home library.
• 🍽️ Dinner: enjoy a camp-out themed meal together
• S'mores: Families will also be assigned specific times to go outside to roast marshmallows for perfect s'mores!
• Take a stroll along the award-winning nature path and explore the playground
This event is open to all Cooke students and their families. Don't miss out on making "s'more" memories with your school community!

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69 Richardson Avenue
Monticello, NY
12701

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