TOMS RIVER – What started as an idea to merge education with the outdoors is now a reality at Toms River High School East.
Students, staff and community members gathered recently to cut the ribbon on the new Raider Retreat Outdoor Classroom, a shaded space featuring paved walkways, wheelchair accessibility, Raiders-themed tables, benches and a wooden structure with a white board for instruction.
The $10,000 project was made possible through a Sustainable Jersey for Schools grant awarded in 2024. It was designed to bring STEAM learning outside the traditional classroom while ensuring inclusivity for all students.
Engineering teacher Emma Kobylarz and School Resource Officer Scott Kenny took the lead in building the retreat. Kobylarz constructed the furniture and learning shed, while Kenny laid the walkways brick by brick. Their work was recognized during the ceremony by Principal Erin Anders.
“Your hard work, dedication, and creativity have made this space bigger and brighter than I ever could have imagined,” Anders said.
The effort was collaborative, with assistance from the school’s special education team and students, the football team and staff including Supervisor Tiffany Lucey, who helped write the grant. Support also came from the district’s special services department and the Toms River Education Association, which helped fund the initiative through NJEA.
Teachers said they were eager to start using the retreat for lessons. “It’s nice not being surrounded by walls,” art teacher Bill Dishon said.
By the end of the afternoon, students were already filling the benches and tables, and staff were discussing how to schedule the new space for future classes.
For Toms River East, this year’s theme of “ALL IN” was made visible in the Raider Retreat—an outdoor classroom built with teamwork, creativity and community spirit.
