Chicken Coop Project
Donation protected
Wingin’ It
McAuliffe Elementary is an amazing PreK through eighth grade elementary school on the west side of Chicago, Illinois. It serves students from the Logan Square and Hermosa Park communities. Our mission statement is simple: McAuliffe Elementary School is a safe, positive, and supportive community that sets high standards for learning and celebrates the achievements of each child. With this mission statement in mind, we try to reach beyond the classroom to ensure a well-rounded education for children, often deprived of experiences in nature. We strive to offer the students of our community a wide range of opportunities to enhance their learning.
Several years ago, we decided to develop an agricultural team in collaboration with the after-school programs. We developed a beautiful garden space for students to plan, plant and maintain a variety of fresh vegetables and herbs. We sold what we grew at our “farm stand” when we had family nights or community events. We then expanded this to include incubating eggs and raising chickens.
Our six hens have been with us for six years now. We collect and sell the eggs at these events, as well. There is often a rush to get these amazing organic, free-range eggs.
We were fortunate to have a faculty member and her family bring materials and lots of hard work to design and construct the chicken coop and run we currently have. However, over the years with harsh Chicago winters and rainy springs, our coop has seen better days.
The garden space and chicken area have proven to be beneficial for students. Many teachers use these areas as learning and exploration spaces, classrooms or simply a quiet place for children to read. The animals have a very calming effect on students. Sometimes a quick trip to the coop provides a nice break before returning to the classroom to continue the day.
The students have a huge sense of ownership in the planning, maintaining and caring of these spaces and our hens. Students have grown a love and respect for animals and nature since having these spaces on our school grounds. The hens, especially, are loved by all.
We plan on pouring a foundation for a raised coop to discourage unwanted critters in our new space. We will be running electricity for the waterer and automatic door. We plan on a small side-storage to put away tools and maintenance equipment. We are planning this space to be conducive for students and animals alike.
We appreciate your consideration in helping us to continue fulfilling the lives of our students and our chickens. Thank you.
McAuliffe Elementary is an amazing PreK through eighth grade elementary school on the west side of Chicago, Illinois. It serves students from the Logan Square and Hermosa Park communities. Our mission statement is simple: McAuliffe Elementary School is a safe, positive, and supportive community that sets high standards for learning and celebrates the achievements of each child. With this mission statement in mind, we try to reach beyond the classroom to ensure a well-rounded education for children, often deprived of experiences in nature. We strive to offer the students of our community a wide range of opportunities to enhance their learning.
Several years ago, we decided to develop an agricultural team in collaboration with the after-school programs. We developed a beautiful garden space for students to plan, plant and maintain a variety of fresh vegetables and herbs. We sold what we grew at our “farm stand” when we had family nights or community events. We then expanded this to include incubating eggs and raising chickens.
Our six hens have been with us for six years now. We collect and sell the eggs at these events, as well. There is often a rush to get these amazing organic, free-range eggs.
We were fortunate to have a faculty member and her family bring materials and lots of hard work to design and construct the chicken coop and run we currently have. However, over the years with harsh Chicago winters and rainy springs, our coop has seen better days.
The garden space and chicken area have proven to be beneficial for students. Many teachers use these areas as learning and exploration spaces, classrooms or simply a quiet place for children to read. The animals have a very calming effect on students. Sometimes a quick trip to the coop provides a nice break before returning to the classroom to continue the day.
The students have a huge sense of ownership in the planning, maintaining and caring of these spaces and our hens. Students have grown a love and respect for animals and nature since having these spaces on our school grounds. The hens, especially, are loved by all.
We plan on pouring a foundation for a raised coop to discourage unwanted critters in our new space. We will be running electricity for the waterer and automatic door. We plan on a small side-storage to put away tools and maintenance equipment. We are planning this space to be conducive for students and animals alike.
We appreciate your consideration in helping us to continue fulfilling the lives of our students and our chickens. Thank you.
Organizer
Lindsay Weston
Organizer
Chicago, IL