Aurora Community Unveils Leighton Outdoor Classroom Honoring Beloved Educator

The Aurora Schools Foundation (ASF), Aurora City School District and community partners recently celebrated the opening of the renovated Leighton Amphitheater Outdoor Classroom. The ribbon cutting marked the completion of a project years in the making. It also brought a shared vision for an outdoor learning space to life. From dilapidated space to outdoor classroom The idea was to transform an underused, dilapidated space at Leighton Elementary into a welcoming place for students. Leighton educators Dr. Sweeney, Mrs. VanFossen and Mrs. Leone developed the vision. They submitted a grant proposal to the Aurora Schools Foundation to help make it happen. Their goal was a space where students could learn, create, gather and connect with the outdoors. Community partners make it happen The project grew into a true community effort. Financial support came from the Aurora Schools Foundation, Aurora Elementary Parent Teacher Organization, Rotary Club of Aurora, VFW and V Financial Partners. JJ’s Beautification Service was selected to complete the renovation. The team went beyond executing the original plans and created an inviting space designed to serve students and educators for years to come. Rick DeMore of Dave DeMore Nursery contributed plants and trees. Jeremy Hill of Heritage Landscape Supply provided landscape blocks and other materials. PostNet donated the signage. Numerous other community members and organizations also contributed. A lasting tribute to Sherri Retton The ribbon cutting held special significance for the Retton family and the Aurora Schools community. John Retton, an Aurora graduate, served as lead landscape architect and worked with the JJ’s Beautification team. His mother, Sherri Retton, was a beloved Aurora educator. Her creativity, compassion and dedication touched generations of students and colleagues. During the ceremony, the community unveiled the outdoor classroom’s permanent sign in her memory. Music, flags and a special honor Many members of the Aurora community helped mark the milestone. The Aurora High School Orchestra welcomed guests with live music along the path to the amphitheater. Lorena Vines opened the ceremony with an a cappella performance of the National Anthem. The American Legion and VFW conducted a flag ceremony. The Aurora High School Pep Band closed the event with upbeat music. The evening also brought another moment of recognition. JJ’s Beautification Service was announced as the Aurora Chamber of Commerce’s Business of the Year. The honor was a fitting addition to an event celebrating the company’s work on the project. A space for students for years to come The Leighton Amphitheater Outdoor Classroom shows what can happen when educators, schools, families, local organizations and businesses invest in students. The space will offer opportunities for outdoor learning, creativity, collaboration and connection. It also honors the legacy of an educator who dedicated her career to inspiring Aurora students. ASF and its community partners are grateful to everyone who helped turn a long standing idea into a meaningful addition to Leighton Elementary. Community Focus video:: https://mycommunityfocus.cablecast.tv/internetchannel/show/1465 FAQs 1. What is the Leighton Amphitheater Outdoor Classroom? It is a renovated outdoor learning space at Leighton Elementary in Aurora. It is designed for students to learn, create, gather and connect with the outdoors. 2. Who came up with the idea for the project? Leighton educators Dr. Sweeney, Mrs. VanFossen and Mrs. Leone developed the vision. They submitted a grant proposal to the Aurora Schools Foundation. 3. Who paid for the renovation? Financial support came from the Aurora Schools Foundation, Aurora Elementary Parent Teacher Organization, Rotary Club of Aurora, VFW and V Financial Partners. 4. Who is the outdoor classroom’s sign dedicated to? The permanent sign was unveiled in memory of Sherri Retton, a beloved Aurora educator. Her son, John Retton, was the project’s lead landscape architect. 5. Who completed the renovation? JJ’s Beautification Service completed the work. The company was also announced as the Aurora Chamber of Commerce’s Business of the Year at the event.