Rooted in Success: New Nature-Based Lab Coming to Charles R. Drew K-8 Center

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony at Charles R. Drew K-8 Center to celebrate the launch of a transformative nature-based outdoor classroom, funded through a $125,000 grant from the PNC Foundation, and supplemented by capital resources.

This innovative outdoor learning space—created through forward-thinking partnerships—expands hands-on exploration, sensory development, creativity, movement, and early childhood STEAM learning, further exemplifying why M-DCPS remains your best choice for world-class, future-ready education.

“Our Pre-K program is where the magic and exploration begin for our littlest Rams,” said Charles R. Drew K-8 Principal Quintera S. Parris. “Thanks to the generous grant from PNC Foundation, our students will have the opportunity to learn, grow, and be great beyond the classroom.”

Joining the celebration were PNC Regional President Cressman Bronson, School Board Member Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall, Principal Quintera S. Parris, District administrators, PNC Foundation representatives, teachers, families, and Pre-K students. The new facility will include:

• Sensory play areas

• Gardening beds

• Music & movement areas with outdoor instruments

• A dedicated loose-parts engineering zone

• A bike/ride loop

• Nature art & building stations

• New shade elements, trees, and student-centered outdoor learning features

The enhanced space reinforces M-DCPS’ commitment to early learning, outdoor education, and a vibrant student experience at Charles R. Drew K-8 Center. 

“This new outdoor classroom will create an environment that sparks curiosity, inspires discovery and fosters a lifelong love of learning in students at the Charles R. Drew K-8 Center,” said Cressman Bronson, PNC regional president for Southeast Florida. “By investing in nature-based spaces, we’re helping young children access experiences that build strong foundations for future success. We’re proud to stand alongside our community partners in bringing this vision to life for Miami-Dade families.” 

Charles R. Drew K-8 students displaying a rendering of their future playground.

Funding for this project was made possible through PNC’s signature philanthropic initiative, PNC Grow Up Great®, a $500 million bilingual initiative that helps prepare children from birth through age 5 for success in school and life, with a particular emphasis on underserved communities. In celebration of the 20th anniversary of PNC Grow Up Great® in 2024, the foundation focused its efforts on expanding outdoor play and learning, including a special grant initiative to help build or refresh nature-based play and learning spaces in PNC communities nationwide.

As part of the ceremony, Pre-K students donned bright orange PNC Grow Up Great® hard hats and participated in the symbolic shovel moment alongside district and community leaders. 

Construction is expected to begin shortly, with the playground slated for completion later this year. A formal ribbon-cutting ceremony will follow once construction is finalized. 

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