New outdoor classrooms, increased tree canopy, and nature-based learning spaces are coming to eight Donna ISD campuses through the Cool Schools Program. Supported by $3.12 million through the Texas A&M Forest Service Schoolyard Forest grant, the program is a collaborative effort between Texas Trees Foundation, Donna ISD, and Region One Education Service Center focused on creating greener school environments that can become part of the learning experience.

Plans include a goal of 30 percent tree canopy coverage in areas used by students, outdoor classrooms with presentation and seating areas, and spaces for learning and nature observation. The program will also provide teacher training, outdoor education curriculum, and lessons specific to the Rio Grande Valley, giving teachers additional ways to extend instruction beyond classroom walls.

“Texas Trees Foundation works with organizations all across Texas to plant trees where they are most impact to human health,” said Jorge Rodriguez, Project Liaison and Site Lead for Operations with Texas Trees Foundation. Research on nature-based outdoor learning has also identified benefits for student engagement, collaboration, well-being, and learning. Donna ISD Science Director Emily Anderson has coordinated the district’s involvement in the project, working with project partners and participating campuses throughout the planning process. Campus stakeholders have helped shape plans through site reviews, discussions, and collaborative design sessions. Final designs will be shared in fall 2026 as construction begins, with tree planting, project completion, campus tours, and additional teacher workshops anticipated in spring 2027.

The eight Donna ISD campuses that will see these plans come to life are M. Rivas Primary Discovery Academy, J.W. Caceres Intermediate Discovery Academy, Capt. D. Salinas II STEAM Academy, P.S. Garza Elementary, D. Singleterry Elementary, A.M. Ochoa Primary Science & Sports Academy, C. Stainke Intermediate Science & Sports Academy, and A.P. Solis Middle School. More than new spaces on a campus, these environments will give students additional opportunities to explore, collaborate, and apply what they are learning in new ways, building experiences and skills that contribute to Donna ISD’s Number One Student Outcome: graduating all students on time, college, career, and military ready.