Donna Independent School District celebrated a significant milestone on July 31st with the groundbreaking ceremony for its first Outdoor Learning Center at M. Rivas Primary Discovery Academy. This event, attended by district leaders, board members, and community representatives, marks the beginning of construction on the $250,000 facility, a key project funded by the $120 million bond passed by the community in May 2023.
"Today marks an exciting moment as we break ground on the first of our 2023 bond projects to enter the construction phase," said Donna ISD Superintendent Dr. Angela Dominguez. "Thanks to the overwhelming support from our community, board, and staff, we secured a $120 million bond to address the needs of Donna ISD. This Outdoor Learning Center is just the beginning. Every elementary campus will receive a similar space, offering students an innovative environment to enhance their sensory and fine motor skills, stimulate their imagination, and extend learning beyond the classroom. We believe this initiative will make a lasting impact on our students' lives and their educational journey."
The Outdoor Learning Center represents Donna ISD's commitment to creating diverse learning environments that foster academic excellence, student well-being, and a lifelong love of learning. Research shows that outdoor learning not only boosts academic performance but also improves student engagement, physical and mental health, and social skills.
Board President Fernando Castillo, along with other district officials, reflected on the significance of this initiative for both current students and alumni. "Many of us who are alumni of this district can look back and remember what our elementary experiences were like,” said Castillo. “Now, we're providing our students with opportunities we could only dream of. Outdoor learning has evolved from a casual activity to an integral part of our curriculum, allowing students to interact with the natural world in a meaningful way. We're taking education a step further by moving beyond screens and into tangible, real-world experiences."
The $120 million bond will fund numerous improvements across the district, including new classroom wings, a new cafeteria, and upgrades to gymnasium and library facilities.
