KLEIN, TEXAS – Northampton Elementary has been awarded a $23,556 Lead the Spark Grant from the Klein ISD Education Foundation (KEF) for “The Learning Grove: Where Nature Meets Innovation,” an outdoor classroom initiative that blends nature, wellness, and STEAM-focused learning in a dynamic, flexible environment.
In a surprise visit from the KEF Celebration Express, Northampton Elementary was honored with the grant alongside Foundation directors, community members, and Superintendent Dr. Jenny McGown.
Led by grant writer Lisa Mackey and sponsored by Campus Kids LLC, The Learning Grove builds on the strong support of the school’s Parent Faculty Organization (PFO), which has already committed to fundraising for the initial foundation and sunshade. This grant will expand the outdoor classroom area with an additional sunshade, a hammock garden, and interactive stations that integrate science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.
The project addresses two key needs on campus: students require more opportunities for movement and holistic learning, and teachers need flexible spaces that engage multiple learning styles. The Learning Grove is designed to support whole-child development by helping students connect classroom knowledge to real-world experiences while nurturing creativity, collaboration, and wellness.
Instruction in the space will be guided by Northampton’s STEAM coalition, which has developed hands-on project ideas such as designing eco-friendly structures using recycled materials, building bridges, and creating art from natural elements. Working in teams, students will learn responsibility, communication, and respect for different perspectives as they plan, create, and reflect on their projects.
The Learning Grove will also serve as a powerful tool for community-building. Families, teachers, and local partners—including the PFO and area businesses and organizations—will be invited to participate by serving as guest speakers and providing support. At the end of the year, the school will host a showcase of student projects in the outdoor classroom, highlighting outcomes and celebrating student learning with the broader community.
“The Learning Grove is a powerful example of how innovative ideas can transform student learning,” Klein Education Foundation President Bill Lakin said. “By creating a space where outdoor exploration, wellness, and STEAM learning come together, this project gives students the freedom to think creatively, collaborate meaningfully, and connect their learning to the world around them. We’re proud to support Northampton Elementary as they cultivate experiences that truly nurture the whole child.”
By transforming an outdoor space into an innovative, student-centered learning environment, The Learning Grove will help Northampton students grow as curious, confident, and creative problem solvers, reflecting Klein ISD’s commitment to providing meaningful, future-ready learning experiences for every child.
This fall, the KEF Celebration Express distributed grants totaling $62,057, enriching educational experiences for our learners. These grants encompass a range of innovative and engaging projects, from VR labs to STEM builders. The Fall 2025 grant recipients are innovative and serve as a source of inspiration.
We sincerely thank all our sponsors for making these initiatives possible, enhancing the educational experience, and fostering the growth of Klein ISD students. The Klein ISD Education Foundation accepts grant applications biannually and supports creative projects that enrich student learning and drive academic success.