The PTA is Enhancing Outdoor Learning & Play Spaces

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With new oak benches and a vibrant mural, the PTA is enriching our school grounds to support outdoor learning and community connection. A HUGE thanks to David Hecht and Katy Levine for their thoughtful planning and guidance, and to Sarah Hurt for commissioning the mural’s artist and helping bring it to fruition.

– PTA Board

From Eyesore to Art: New Mural Celebrates Our School’s Local Ecology

What was once a well-worn shipping container, is now the canvas for a vibrant new mural celebrating the rich biodiversity that is present right here on our school grounds.  The mural was inspired by multiple years of hands-on ecological work by our neighborhood volunteer Woodland Stewardship group, which has led more than 40 workdays removing non-native invasive plants and nurturing native plant species that support more stable and healthy ecosystems.

Most prominently featured in the scene is the Spicebush Swallowtail (shown in both caterpillar and butterfly form), whose life cycle is closely tied to native plants like the Sassafras tree and Joe-Pye Weed (both depicted).  Look closer and you’ll also spot a Blue Jay carrying an acorn, a DeKay’s brown snake, native bees, large White Oak trees and even a bald eagle.  All these species are present on the grounds at Bannockburn ES, many right on the edge of the soccer field.  Watching over it all is our school mascot, the Bobcat, highlighting the role this property plays as a place for our next generation to explore.

We hope this mural encourages curiosity and a sense of connection to the vibrant natural areas on our school grounds.

New Oak Benches for the Playground!

We are excited to share that three beautiful new oak benches have been added to the back playground. Milled and crafted directly from the trunks of mature oak trees that the Montgomery County Parks Department already had to remove, these benches give the trees a meaningful second life in our community.

Blending a natural, timeless appeal with practical use, the benches provide space for teachers to gather classes outdoors and for neighbors to sit and connect while enjoying the grounds at Bannockburn ES.

Be sure to check them out at the upcoming BES Picnic!