Theme School Features Trees - Munford Elementary School, Alabama - Brief Article

American Forests, Autumn, 2000

This autumn children at a rural school in northeastern Alabama will learn the value of trees and forests from an unlikely source--the school's design.

Students at Munford Elementary School, nestled in Talladega National Forest, will begin the 2000-2001 school year in a building with walls reminiscent of forest, water, sky, and sun; columns painted to resemble tree trunks; and a cave-like hallway with a lamp the shape of a lightning bolt. The goal: to help students understand the relationship between people and the environment, said Coy Mills, assistant superintendent for Talladega County schools.

We will use the environment to teach "reading, writing, math, science, [and] social sciences, rather than teaching the environment as a small part of the curriculum," Mills said. "Teaching students the truth about the proper balance of the environment and the use of natural resources will create informed, caring citizens as they grow into adulthood."

More than 780 students attend kindergarten through sixth grade at Munford, which lies at the foot of Cheaha Mountain, Alabama's highest point. The school's four wings will feature themes such as "the enchanted forest" and "where the wild things are." Highlights include a 64-foot photo mural of trees, mountains, and waterfalls near the cafeteria and a common area with silk trees of local varieties.

"Natural resources and the national forest play a big part in this part of Alabama," said Tony Tooke, Talladega National Forest district ranger. "... We hope [the school] will be a model for some other schools across the country."

School officials are collaborating with other federal, state, and local agencies, environmental groups, industry officials, and parents to fund and plan the project, Mills said. Supporters also will help design lessons plans about water quality, forest products and management, recycling, and other subjects.

"We hope to help students understand the value of the forest as a natural resource--that natural resources, our health, and environmental health are interrelated," Mills said.