news
Chickasaw Journal
HOUSTON - Students in the Houston School district will soon have the opportunity to take their studies outside thanks to the cooperative effort of several local parties.
The MSU Extension Service, Chickasaw County Board of Supervisors, City of Houston, NRCS, Master Gardeners and the Mississippi National Guard are all playing a part in the creation of an outdoor classroom that will be located in Joe Brigance Park across the street from Houston High School.
The project is funded through Title III money from the MS Forestry Dept. but the construction will be completed through in-kind labor. Members of the 288th Sapper unit of the National Guard were out recently digging holes to begin the construction of the classroom. The Master Gardeners will provide landscaping one the project is complete.
"It will consist of twelve benches and a 24x16' stage that can be used for outdoor events and environmental education courses," said Scott Cagle of the Chickasaw County Extension Service. "The project should be completed by April 20."
The outdoor classroom in Houston will be the third constructed in the county, following the establishment of two other facilities at the public schools in Okolona and Houlka.