‘I HAVEN’T SEEN IT DONE ANY BETTER’
Schools chancellor applauds outdoor learning initiative at Corona school
BY DEAN MOSES
In an effort to promote the city’s
new outdoor learning initiative,
Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza
visited P.S 143’s outside class in
Hinton Park in Corona on Thursday,
Oct. 16.
P.S 143 makes use of the neighboring
Hinton Park in order to teach
students about the importance of
staying active, especially during an
era when COVID-19 has forced many
families into their homes.
The fenced-off section of the park
is located directly across the street
from the elementary school, where
cones, hoops and other markers
were set up for a relay race.
The outdoor lesson was underway
for about 10 minutes when Carranza
arrived to observe the activity.
The chancellor waved, clapped
and cheered on the young students
as they showed off, sprinting up and
down the grassland.
Much to the delight of the children
and onlookers, Carranza even
got involved with the excitement,
performing a lap in the relay by
skipping in place before darting
along the obstacle course, mimicking
the mini athletes’ moves.
After the class, a press conference
TIMESLEDGER | QNS.16 COM | OCT. 23-OCT. 29, 2020
was held in P.S 143’s playground,
where Principal Justine Lucas welcomed
all attendees to the school
and expressed her gratitude for the
ability to use the outside space in
Hinton Park. Soon thereafter, the
chancellor took to the podium where
he stressed the importance of these
activities.
“I am excited to be here at P.S 143
to highlight the wonderful outdoor
learning that we have. I haven’t
seen it done any better than what I
just saw here. We have over 111 sites
now that are utilizing outdoor learning
and it’s an integral part of how
we not only keep our students and
Photos by Dean Moses
our staff safe, but also how we give
our students the opportunity to flex
their muscles,” Carranza said.
He concluded by emphasizing the
value of being able to spend time
outside during our lockdown age.
“By doing what they were supposed
to do and staying in the safety
of their own homes, it has made
it possible for us to have in-person
learning like this. But that also
means that many children may have
been unable to explore the world
around them. That is why this program
is so important, not just to P.S
143, but to all of the children of the
city of New York.”