A Hive of Curiosity: Holloway Elementary Brings Learning to Life with New Bee Observatory
At Holloway Elementary School, the buzz of the new school year started early—and it wasn’t just from excited students.
Thanks to a generous $2,000 donation from the Springfield Schools Foundation and support from the Springfield Board of Education, Principal Nelle Ratliff has brought a longawaited vision to life: a fully functioning bee observatory on campus. The project, nestled beside the school’s prairie trail, is already home to tens of thousands of honeybees—and a whole lot of curiosity.
“This has been a dream in the making,” said Principal Ratliff, who also is a beekeeper outside of school. “There’s something so powerful about giving students a front-row seat to how nature works—especially something as complex and essential as a hive.”
The observatory, built with a special viewing box and a clear tube connecting directly to Holloway’s prairie, allows students to safely observe bees in real time as they exit to pollinate and return with pollen. Depending on the season, a healthy hive can reach up to 55,000 bees; Holloway’s colony is currently estimated between 35,000– 50,000 and growing strong.
“The bees always return to their queen,” Ratliff explained. “She gives off a scent that helps them navigate. Her job is to lay eggs and grow the hive—and she’s busy.” Inside, honey is forming, larva are developing and students are learning about everything from life cycles to environmental science.
To keep the experience as natural as possible, the tube is kept covered, simulating the dark conditions bees prefer in the wild. Visitors can still catch glimpses of bright yellow and white pollen clinging to bees’ legs as they come and go—a sign that Holloway’s prairie flowers are thriving.
The observatory is more than a science lesson—it’s a hands-on opportunity for students to explore biology, environmental stewardship and even community connection. Local families are welcome to walk the school’s prairie trail, which blooms in late summer and offers a peaceful slice of nature behind the building. A simple reminder will be posted near the bee tube: steer clear of the entrance and let the bees do their work.
For Ratliff, who has been known to share homemade honey and beeswax lip balm with her staff, this project is both a professional milestone and a personal joy.
“I just love what bees can teach us,” she said. “They work together. They support the hive. They pollinate what’s next. It’s a beautiful picture of how a school works when we all do our part.”
And in true Holloway Hornet fashion, she’s not afraid to suit up for the cause—literally. Donning her white beekeeper suit from head to toe, Ratliff captured footage of bees flying in and out of the tube, highlighting the pollination process for future student lessons. As she approached the observatory, she shared a gentle reminder about honeybee behavior: “If a bee comes near you, don’t swat. Just stay calm and slowly walk away. Honeybees aren’t aggressive— they won’t sting unless they feel threatened.” A sting, she explained, releases a scent that signals other bees to respond defensively. “They’re just doing their job—protecting the hive.”
Whether it’s in a science classroom, a nature walk or a hallway conversation, the new hive is already making an impact— creating a hum of excitement that promises to grow with each passing season.
