Edwardsville's Lincoln Middle School Opens Courtyard for Students to Enjoy
Lincoln Middle School’s new courtyard is giving students a safer, dedicated outdoor space after lunch, and Principal Michael Cory says it is already making a difference.
EDWARDSVILLE - Lincoln Middle School recently opened its new courtyard so students can spend time outside and refocus for class.
Principal Michael Cory noted that while there has been a lot of construction at the middle school and in Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 over the past few months, the projects have definitely been worth it. He said students are enjoying the new courtyard, and he believes the space indicates the start of another positive school year.
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“It’s just been such an upgrade and such a wonderful advantage for our students,” he said. “It’s been a wonderful start to the year.”
Students are allotted about 15 minutes after lunch to go outside, play games, and get fresh air. Previously, the middle school blocked off space in the bus lot for this time. There wasn’t a dedicated location for students to go.
The newly constructed courtyard provides a safe space for students. There are benches, basketball hoops and various outdoor equipment like volleyballs, footballs and frisbees.
Students can play, sit, walk and talk, enjoying the time however they’d like, but getting the reset that, Cory noted, kids need even at the middle school level.
“I love that we can get them outside,” he said. “I love that they can enjoy that space and then refocus themselves as they come back in from lunch, where they’ve expended some energy and gotten some vitamin C by being outside, and then get back into the classroom and really focus and prioritize their academics and their success.”
He added that studies show kids need a “kinesthetic release.” Though opportunities are limited in middle school as they begin to focus more on their academics, it is still beneficial for students to have this time. Lincoln Middle School is proud to be able to provide a space and time for them to take a break.
The school has undergone major construction over the past few years, which Cory said has been “great” for the building. Most of the teachers are now back in their permanent classrooms. He commended the students and teachers for their flexibility throughout the process.
The teachers have done everything they can to “be ready for our kiddos and provide them with the absolute best,” while older students have “set the standard for doing what’s important and modeling what it is to be a Lincoln Wildcat.” The courtyard and completed construction are examples of the work that the district has put into providing students with the best environments in which to learn.
Cory believes this school year has the potential to be a productive, fun experience for students and staff alike. As they complete their second week of classes, he is eager to see how the year unfolds.
“We’re just in this place where we’re all focused on making sure our kids get exactly what they need, and that feels really good right now,” he added. “It feels like we’re about to do something really special this year, and I can’t wait to see how this year plays out and all the success that we have across the board.”
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