Prairie to Be Named for Long-Time Science Teacher

The Thursday dedicated the outdoor classroom at to longtime science teacher C. Edwin Murray.

In a resolution passed unanimously by the school board, the district dedicated the prairie, wetlands and woodlands used as an outdoor classroom for students. The classroom is used in conjunction with .

The resolution reads:

In the 1970s, the space currently occupied by the prairie was a barren field. Science teacher Edwin "Ed" Murray recommended that the space be transformed into a place of learning for students. The District allocated space for the prairie and prepared the ground, and students helped plant seedlings. With support from Dr. Sarah "Sally" Elgin and students at , as well as partnership with The Green Center, the prairie became a teaching tool that showcases native plants and attracts wildlife.

Ed Murray lived most of his life in University City and was a student at , Ward Junior High School and . After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree from Washington University and a Master of Arts degree from Webster University, he worked as a social worker for two years then became a science teacher. He taught at Brittany Woods Middle School for 28 years.

Murray died in 2006 after a bout with cancer, according to an obituary.

In other action, the board approved the following curricula: 

• Fine Arts Curriculum 
• Fine Arts Materials Adoption 
• Science Curriculum 
• English Language Learners (ELL) Program Evaluation 
• Technology Program Evaluation