Guilford Central School Outdoor Fundraiser

Guilford Central School families, supporters, and friends:

We all know how important our schools are to our communities. During these unprecedented times, our schools are facing extraordinary challenges creating safe and healthy learning environments. At Guilford Central School (GCS), safety is our top priority and we know being outdoors reduces viral risk. Our school’s ample outdoor space is a unique asset and provide the opportunity to build on GCS’s history of outdoor learning. Outdoor learning supports academic and social-emotional success, and investments in outdoor learning will endure after the COVID-19 pandemic is over, benefitting children for years to come.

Today, we are requesting your support for Guilford children during these extraordinary times with a gift to support GCS’s outdoor learning program. Volunteer-led upgrades now underway include construction of outdoor learning structures, expansion of natural play areas, and purchase of student and teacher materials for learning outdoors in all weather. Our fundraising goal is $30,000 and we need your support to get there!

As you may know, GCS has emerged as a leader in outdoor learning in the region. With the Forest Pre-K program, 6th grade’s Forest Fridays, the volunteer-led Four Winds environmental education program, and the Farm to School program, GCS has embraced outdoor learning as a hallmark of its educational philosophy. Now, in the face of the pandemic, we are fully invested in further developing this outdoor emphasis. This summer we have secured more than $15,000 of in-kind donations, dozens of volunteers have contributed hundreds of hours to this effort, and COVID funding will help with some expenses. However, the project needs additional financial support for:

- Final building materials for three outdoor learning structures
- All-weather gear, including rain pants, jackets, and waterproof mittens for students of all ages
- Composting toilet and water pump      
- Camping chairs for outdoor learning
- Storage sheds for outdoor materials
- Garden tools, building tools, and woodworking supplies for students

To meet these needs, we are turning to our community to help make the school as outdoor-focused as possible this year. Guilford children need your support!  Will you make a gift today? Your donation, in any amount, will bring our children outdoors and allow GCS to lead the way in outdoor learning for years to come.

Many thanks for your consideration,

John Gagnon      Principal  
Beth Bristol        Chair, GCS Leadership Council
Kitsie LaRock    GCS Leadership Council  

        
P.S. If you prefer, Make checks payable to WSESD-Guilford Central School with “GCS Outdoor Fund” in the memo and mail to Guilford School.