***UPDATE*** DTS Outdoor Classroom

****UPDATE!!!!**** THANK YOU for helping to make Project Outdoor Classroom a GO!!!! We are still looking for help! PLEASE consider making a gift to support learning for Downtown School students. . .

After speaking with parents still wanting to support this effort (and meeting with the principal), we are keeping our campaign going and hoping you will support it. Any dollars collected that don't go towards the initial outdoor classroom design described below will be used to either enhance the original plan OR help to create other usable outdoor spaces for DTS students and teachers. We are excited to work with parents to create a space outside of the preschool area too, if the funds are raised. Your gift will help turn a concrete area into a working environment for learning and establish other outside learning areas.

The premise behind the extension of our efforts is simple... the Downtown School is a unique and fabulous educational environment. Your support will help to create further opportunities for supporting our Multiple Intelligences-based mission.

Thank you for your consideration!!!! (Please don't forget that many employers will match your donation. If you need help, please let us know.)
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Project Outdoor Classroom started when DTS middle school students polled the teachers and asked what improvements they would like to see at The Downtown School.  The response was strongly in support of utilizing an existing wasted space on the campus ("the pit" located outside cafeteria) into an outdoor classroom.  We would like to make this a reality from the 2017-2018 graduating class.  We will post a permanent sign once finished to dedicate space to the school from the 2017-18 graduating class as well as all students will add their signatures to a planter being built for the space. 
 
Our goal includes creation of an outdoor chalkboard, two picnic tables, planters, tire seating, and signage.  Parents will do the building of the chalkboard, tables, and tire seating to save costs.  The project will be done with the assistance of teachers, parents, and students.  All of the rising 8th grade class will have the opportunity to help in some way. 

We have already received a grant to provide an awning and storage so now it's up to us to raise the rest on the needed funds to complete this wonderful project!

A few additional notes:
- Your donation is tax deductible so a receipt will be sent to you after your donation is received (might be a few weeks so that I can work with the school to get it to you). 
- If your place of employment offers matching gift opportunities please send me the company name, address, and phone number. 
- We are focusing on raising the needed funds at this time, but if you would like to help in other ways please contact me. 

Please let me know if you have any questions and thank you for supporting Project Outdoor Classroom!!

Laura Wood 
[email redacted]