The project at Kate Goodrich includes installing new pieces of playground equipment, including climbing and hanging bars. An outdoor classroom complete with six picnic tables will also be constructed with help from a local Boy Scouts group. The classroom will provide teaching opportunities both during the day and in after-school programs. It is also the hope of the staff that neighborhood families will enjoy using it outside of school hours. The project is scheduled to be complete in August.
Now, the school is engaged in a number of fundraising efforts, including reaching out to area businesses and families at Kate Goodrich to make donations. The next fundraising effort will be an all-school assembly challenging the students to raise $500 through a coloring contest, special snack and dress up days, a pie-throwing contest and winning a special lunch with Mr. Jahnke, principal of Kate Goodrich. Parents will also have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets toward winning “Summer Fun” baskets put together by donations from staff.
“We are thrilled to receive this generous grant from Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation. The $5,000 will go a long way in helping us to achieve our goal,” said Sandi Rusch, a teacher at Kate Goodrich. “The new playground equipment and outdoor classroom will be a welcome addition to our school community. We look forward to sharing additional fundraising efforts.”
Kate Goodrich was one of more than 585 schools or parent organizations to be awarded a Lowe’s Toolbox for Education during the 2011-2012 school year. The grant is for parent-initiated school improvement projects benefiting K-12 public education across the United States.
Brett Woller, a Life Scout with Merrill Boy Scout Troop 599, will lead the construction of the outdoor classroom as his Eagle Scout service project. Woller looks forward to seeing the completed structure, something he can drive by years from now and know he made a difference in his community.
Click HERE to listen to WJMT's Community Scan interview with Woller and Principal Jahnke.
