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The Problem: The problem is there are too many outdoor spaces that are underutilized in our school community, Oak Grove Elementary.
The Solution: The solution is "Beltlining". Inspired by the Atlanta Beltline, it is constructing a loop or pathway that embraces the outdoors and joins people together. |
One trip around The Beat is almost half of a mile |
The Beat - OGE's own beltline, was created by our Robotics Team as part of a city planning competition in 2019. Inspired by the Atlanta Beltline, we have a board of stakeholders who help make decisions and brainstorm ideas, improvements and events for The Beat. This year, we've added a night time lantern parade.
The Beat Board is made up of student representatives from 3-5 grade, teachers, admin, and custodial staff.
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The student members of The Beat Board created this video to share more about their role and The Beat.
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Social Justice Slam on The Beat
May 19, 2023
Our first Social Justice Slam event included presentations from classrooms that were also performed on our
Atlanta BeltLine field trip in April.
Atlanta BeltLine field trip in April.
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Feel the pulse of The Beat
Birdsong Nature TrailThe Birdsong Nature Trail was originally dedicated to Laura and Brian Birdsong on Earth Day in 1992. It was rededicated on Earth Day 2022. Laura and Brian were Oak Grove students who tragically died in a 1991 plane crash near Brunswick. This living tribute located south of the carpool lane and parking area has an outdoor classroom and picnic area. Please remember to leave no trace and pack out all trash.
The nature trail is always in need of of volunteers for maintenance and planting projects. If your group or family is interested, contact [email protected] |
The Daffodil ProjectFifth Graders in the Class of 2020 participated in the worldwide initiative to plant 1.5 million daffodils in memory of the children who perished in the Holocaust and in support for children suffering in humanitarian crises in the world today. Students selected and prepared the site, planted the bulbs, and planned a dedication ceremony.
Watch the video here |
THE FIRE LANE IS FOR THE BIRDS
As you walk down the fire lane part of The Beat, you can learn more about bird habitats and how to attract birds to your yard. Check out the different shaped birdhouses and determine which house you would rent if you were a bird! The Great Backyard Bird Count is a great citizen science activity for the whole family. This year, you can count and report birds February 16-19, 2024. |
Story WalkStoryWalk® is an innovative and delightful way for children — and adults! — to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. Laminated pages from a children's book are attached to wooden stakes, which are installed along The Beat.
Our current StoryWalk® is The Escape of Marvin the Ape by Carolyn and Mark Buehner |
First Grade Pollinator Garden
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Williams PavilionBuilt in loving memory of William Wright Harris in 1997. The pavilion provides a place for the things William loved most to come together - friends, the outdoors and learning.
Enjoy a shaded rest or a picnic lunch and remember to leave no trace. |
5th Grade Art Fence
Each year, 5th grade students present the school with a gift at the end of the year. Since 2021, one of the gifts is a unique art work that all the students collaborated on. This has been a nice addition to the playground fence for students and community members to enjoy. |
Garden of Goodwill
In the summer of 2022, a group of teachers and their friends created a permanent art installation on the fire lane fence. The "Garden of Goodwill" uses upcycled dishware to create a lovely bouquet of flowers and hopes to inspire visitors on The Beat to create their own garden art with repurposed items. |
Animal Olympics
This interactive display teaches students about the different animals of Georgia while encouraging them to be active. Located on the playground area of The Beat, the Animal Olympics gets you moving while you learn more about animal adaptations. |
Mr. Mark's Apple TreeIn the spring of 2019, long time Oak Grove teacher Mark Manganello retired and was honored with an apple tree donated by the Crane family. Their daughter Olivia was one of Mr. Mark's students. The tree is located between the playground and the ramp to the gym. Read more about the dedication here
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Special Events
Look for special events like the 5th Grade Poetry Walk and the Earth Day writing prompts. These events give students and community members additional activities to enjoy while on The Beat. |
Invasive Plants
Unfortunately there is still a lot of work to be done in the removal of invasive plants along The Beat, especially in the back of the Birdsong Nature Trail and along the playground. English Ivy is an aggressive invader that is choking many of our surrounding trees. We depend on volunteers to continue our battle against the evil Hedera helix. |
Volunteer
Rent the Rock is our fundraiser located on The Beat in front of the school. Families may rent the rock to paint a fun message or birthday greeting. Funds are used for improvements to our outdoor learning spaces.
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The Beat is a "space in progress" and can
always use extra hands for one-time and regular projects including: pulling invasive ivy blowing/raking the black top adding native plants nature trail clean up pruning and mulching Contact [email protected] for more info |
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