Local elementary school laying groundwork for new courtyard

BRIDGEVILLE, DE. – The Phillis Wheatley Elementary School has gotten started on a major outdoor upgrade.

Wednesday faculty, parents, and students of the Conservation Club got their hands dirty creating what will become an herb garden, a simulation pond, and more for the school’s new courtyard.

The goal is to create a space where students can enjoy some fresh air while learning more about the environment.

School officials say, the new courtyard wouldn’t have been possible without generous donors and a supportive community. “We have a lot of support within our school system. Not everyone’s going to get our there and get dirty, but everyone is cheering us on so that makes us want to do more,” Phillis Wheatley Elementary Teacher Pamela Vanderwende said.

“I think it’s really exciting because we’re going to make it all pretty and when the third graders get here next year they have a beautiful courtyard,” Student Alahna Nichols said.

“The thing that I like most is that it’s just love. We put a lot of work into it and its fun being out here,” Student Londyn Hopkins said.

The courtyard is expected to be completed by April 1st. The school is still accepting donations for the project, and if you’d like to make a contribution contact Pamela Vanderwende at (302)-337-3469.