On dark cloudy days, indoor spaces are often only lit with artificial lighting, creating a tense and harsh atmosphere. Studies have shown that being outdoors and around fresh air helps relieve stress and anxiety, improves memory, reduces fatigue and improves focus. With all these positive benefits, why should one not spend their free time outdoors? Furthermore, students often feel the most relaxed with their friends, so creating social spaces outdoors would likely significantly help students de-stress during the school says.

While the weather may be turning colder as November approaches, outdoor spaces can still be used. Tables and benches in the courtyard, complete with students bundled under jackets, can provide a welcome escape from a busy day. During the beginning and end of the school year when the weather is often warm, students can use these spaces for studying and/or socializing.

Furthermore, as construction to the Schilling center and main Upper School building will soon end, the new green space outside of the lunchroom can become a small “quad,” or a place for students to study, eat, socialize or toss around a frisbee.

Ecologically friendly gardens could also provide many benefits. Aside from making SPA a more environmentally friendly school, the gardens can also serve as a study or socializing location.