Fourth- and fifth-grade QUEST students from Central Elementary School and Pass Road Elementary School will unveil their “Secret Reading Garden,” an innovative outdoor classroom designed to foster a love of reading in a relaxed, nature-inspired setting.
The unveiling will take place on Friday, April 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Central Elementary School, located at 1043 Pass Road in Gulfport, followed by a second event from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Pass Road Elementary School, located at 37 Pass Road.
The Secret Reading Garden features comfortable hammocks and thoughtfully designed spaces that encourage students to engage with literature in a peaceful and inviting outdoor environment. To further enhance accessibility and interactivity, the garden includes informational signage with QR codes linking directly to audiobooks, allowing students of varying reading levels to experience stories in new and engaging ways.
This initiative also supports educators by providing a dynamic setting for outdoor instruction, helping to enrich classroom experiences and promote creative teaching methods beyond the traditional classroom.
The project was developed and led by QUEST students as part of their Girl Scouts Bronze Award efforts. Through this process, the students demonstrated leadership and applied skills in planning, measuring, and presenting their ideas, successfully bringing the project from concept to completion.
The QUEST program extends its sincere appreciation to the Gulfport High School ROTC, the Gulfport School District Maintenance Team, the Gulfport School District Car Tag Grant Program, and the Pass Road Elementary PTO for their generous support and contributions in making this project a reality.
Community members are invited to attend and celebrate the launch of this exciting new outdoor learning space.
The Gulfport School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or disability in the provision of educational programs and services or employment opportunities or benefits. The following office has been designated to handle inquiries and complaints regarding the non-discrimination policies of the above-mentioned entities. - Dr. Michael Tatum, Assistant Superintendent, Gulfport School District
Media Contacts:
Melanie Davis
melanie.davis@gulfportschools.org
228-297-6064
Beth Wilson
beth.wilson@gulfportschools.org
Gracie Barnes