ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Schools are back to normal this fall following two years of COVID-19 protocols. But one Rochester school took what it learned and implemented it in lessons outdoors.

For most, weeding a garden isn’t a good time. But for Marissa Seeloff, it’s her favorite part of the day.

“It’s a lot of fun coming out here and working," said Seeloff.

She’s a junior at the Norman Howard School and picking carrots is part of her assignment.

“We’ll be like, 'we can’t wait for ecology,' but then it’ll go by so quick,” she said.

Ecology is taught by Adam Ciluffo, known as Mr. C to his students. The goal of his class is to get kids outside, teaching them lessons hands-on in the school's outdoor classroom.

“This is what I like to do," said Ciluffo. "In a classroom, it’s tough. The main thing for kids is experience these days. I want to share my love of the outdoors with the kids."

Marissa shares that love. After struggling in traditional classrooms, she’s excelled in ecology. Even taking on leadership roles.

“He’s a great teacher," Seeloff said. "He’ll be like, 'Marissa, you take charge with this and figure out where you want to put everything,' and then he’ll step back."

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. C held classes every day in the outdoor classroom, something he’s continued this year.

“Fall, winter, spring, doesn’t matter the temp, the kids prepare for it,” Ciluffo said.

After all the carrots and veggies are pulled, the students use them to make soup for the rest of the school.

“It’s rewarding," Seeloff said. "Sometimes we’ll hand them out to the teachers and they’ll be like, 'oh my God Marissa, that was delicious,' and be like kinda proud.”

After graduating, Mr. C says many students continue to garden or go on to careers in ecology, something that Marissa is already thinking about.

Mr. C hold will continue to hold lessons during the winter outside in a lean-to shelter next to the garden.