Credits

POlicy Working Group Participants

The dedicated volunteers from around the country, listed alphabetically below, began participating in the National COVID-19 Outdoor Learning Initiative’s Policy Working Group (WG#9) beginning in September 2020. The National COVID-19 Outdoor Learning Initiative would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all of the organizations and individuals who are collaborating to make this Initiative possible.

Working Group Co-Leaders

  • Kyle Macdonald, Green Schoolyards America

  • Kirk Anne Taylor, MPA, Ten Strands

Working Group Coordinator

  • Lauren McKenna, MLA, Green Schoolyards America

Advisor from the Equity Working Group

  • Kevin Condon, The Bird School Project

Working Group Participants

  • Marie Bacher, M Ed, Santa Clara County Office of Education

  • Tim Baird, EdD, Superintendent (retired),
    Encinitas Union School District

  • Sarah Bodor, North American Association for Environmental Education

  • Sandra Chen Lau, MA

  • Sharon Danks, MLA-MCP, Green Schoolyards America

  • Sean den Bok, Seattle Aquarium

  • Mary Filardo, MPP, 21st Century School Fund and
    National Council on School Facilities

  • Olivia Griset, MAT, Maine Environmental Education Association

  • Anisa Heming, M Arch, LEED AP BD+C, LEED AP O&M,
    Center for Green Schools, U.S. Green Building Council

  • Tony Knight, EdD, Superintendent, Oak Park Unified School District

  • Vicki Moore, Living Classroom

  • Kathleen O'Connor, PhD

  • Robyn Paulekas, Meridian Institute and the Youth Outdoor Policy Partnership

  • Carl Smith, Governing

  • Jeff Vincent, PhD, Center for Cities and Schools at the
    University of California, Berkeley

National COVID-19 Outdoor Learning Initiative

The National COVID-19 Outdoor Learning Initiative supports schools and districts around the country in their efforts to reopen safely and equitably using outdoor spaces as strategic, cost-effective solutions to increase physical distancing capacity onsite and provide access to abundant fresh air. The Initiative seeks to equitably improve learning, mental and physical health, and happiness for children and adults using an affordable, time-tested outdoor approach to keeping schools open during a pandemic.

The National COVID-19 Outdoor Learning Initiative was co-founded in May 2020 by Green Schoolyards America, The Lawrence Hall of Science, San Mateo County Office of Education, and Ten Strands. It has now grown to include more than 20 other partner organizations that are collaborating to build a national movement, hundreds of participating volunteers, and foundation partners.