Tope Elementary School officially opened new outdoor learning spaces on Friday, Oct. 16, dedicating an outdoor classroom to volunteer teacher assistant William Bailey and a legacy garden to honor late teacher Julie Armbruster. Community members joined students and families at the school, located at 2220 N. Seventh St., to celebrate the individuals who significantly shaped the school community.
During an Outdoor Spaces Dedication Ceremony, Dave Armbruster, husband of Julie Armbruster, joined his children and students to cut the ribbon for the new legacy garden. Armbruster said, "We’re honored to have this legacy garden bear her name," expressing hope that current, former, and future students will enjoy it. Simultaneously, William Bailey, assisted by former students, cut the ribbon for Mr. Bailey’s Outdoor Classroom, a space that evolved from students’ own ideas. Tope Elementary students also participated in the celebration by singing their school song.
Julie Armbruster, a former Tope teacher, passed away in December 2025 after a hit-and-run crash on the 700 block of 27 Road. She taught for three decades and was instrumental in transforming the school’s culture and academic approach. Former Tope Elementary Principal Carrie Bollinger stated that Armbruster was pivotal in garnering support for the school’s adoption of a Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) curriculum in 2016.
The profound impact of Armbruster’s teaching was highlighted by Carrie Martindale, a parent of a former Tope student. Martindale shared how her daughter, Myla, struggled academically before entering Armbruster’s second-grade class. Martindale recounted that Armbruster truly listened to her concerns and worked diligently with Myla. "From the very beginning, I knew she would be there to support, encourage and celebrate Myla," Martindale said. She attributed Myla’s later success, including graduating high school magna cum laude and pursuing a health career, to the foundation Armbruster helped build.
William Bailey was recognized for his exceptional volunteer work, which began in 2019. Tope Elementary teacher Amy Neil described Bailey as a dedicated individual who volunteered eight hours daily to assist with her kindergarten class. Neil noted Bailey's practical support, such as helping with minor injuries and tying shoes, and his commitment to the STEAM mission, encouraging students to explore and learn through action.
Neil explained that the idea for the outdoor classroom originated from kindergarteners during a problem-based learning unit focused on "how to find joy." Students repeatedly suggested outdoor learning, appreciating the fresh air and connection to the world around them. "Their solution was an outdoor classroom," Neil stated, adding that Mr. Bailey helped turn this student-led idea into reality through his time and generous financial support. She emphasized the powerful experience for children to see their ideas become real, fostering a belief in their ability to make a difference.
Mesa County Valley School District 51 Superintendent Brian Hill remarked that the outdoor classroom is an exciting endeavor that aligns with the district’s broader efforts to reduce student screen time and promote outdoor engagement. The garden space within the outdoor classroom was made possible by donations from Armbruster’s friends and family, reflecting the community’s appreciation for her legacy. The school facility itself was originally constructed in October 1941.
The dedication ceremony featured several additional guests who spoke about the positive influence of both Bailey and Armbruster. The event concluded with students joining family and friends to unveil the legacy garden and participate in the ribbon-cutting for the outdoor classroom, marking the official opening of these new resources for the Tope Elementary community.