The Fund For Mountain Laurel

We are living in a time of turmoil, uncertainty and stress.  Now, more than ever,  Mountain Laurel Waldorf School views its mission of bringing an educational experience that nurtures and supports the whole child -- head, heart and hands -- as critical.  We know this holistic approach gives students the tools to meet life’s challenges with clear thinking, balanced emotions, and self-initiative.  

We are raising money for Mountain Laurel Waldorf School to offset the unexpected costs of outfitting our campus with necessary equipment and staff that enabled us to welcome our students and faculty back to campus for full-time, in-person learning during the pandemic.

During these past summer months, Mountain Laurel's administration and faculty
have been dedicated to offering full-time, in-person learning this fall.   Daily rhythm and the simple concept of knowing what to expect -- and when to expect it -- kept  our eye on the prize:  having our students in front of their teachers, in the same room, learning with their friends, healthy and safe.   We knew it could be one of the few things our children could count on right now.   

THE GOOD NEWS IS, WE DID IT.

Getting to safe, full-time, in-person learning took tenacity and more than a little bit of creativity; we outfitted our campus with equipment and staff to ensure  everyone keeps their hands clean, learns outdoors as much as possible, breathes healthy air, and maintains appropriate physical distance.  At the end of the day, we got it done, but these unexpected expenses add up to over $149,000.   We used money we were not expecting to allocate toward school infrastructure and safety; we do not regret it one bit.

In order to offset these expenses we are asking for donations that will ensure our students continue to learn in a safe and healthy environment. 

ANY DONATION WILL MAKE AN IMPACT.  

Here is a list of expenses thus far:

-Touchless soap and paper towel dispensers
- 8 Outdoor sinks
- Sanitizing supplies in each classroom
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) & Safety supplies
- HEPA filters in each classroom
- Lidded trash cans with step pedals
- Professional cleaning staff & enhanced cleaning frequency
- Frame Tent for outdoor classroom·
- Fencing materials & labor to ensure social distancing
- Additional staff to ensure small cohort sizes & reduce number of daily contacts
- Health Screening App

What we still need:
- Technology upgrades in classrooms
- Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) System for fresh air exchange in classrooms
- Replacement HEPA filters - 2 cedar post swing sets for our Kindergarten classes - Fencing at 7 Innis to create safe additional outdoor spaces
- Permanent cedar pavilion for Kindergarten shelter
- Painting - new fencing Kindergarten & Nursery 

Having the children back on campus has been a pleasure for the entire staff and faculty. Faces may be covered with masks, but sparkle and joy come through the eyes, and these eyes have brought the campus of Mountain Laurel back to life! We take our mission of bringing the magic of Waldorf education to the children in earnest, and will continue to keep you informed as we journey through this challenging time together. 

Rudolf Steiner knew the great value of social and emotional learning when he founded the first Waldorf school over 100 years ago.  He lectured to a room full of the first Waldorf teachers, speaking on the importance of teaching the whole child: hands, heart and mind.  Despite the many challenges of today, Mountain Laurel Waldorf School continues to give students the opportunity to learn and grow their full selves.  And because of the many challenges of today, Mountain Laurel Waldorf School is even more dedicated to bringing, to as many children as possible, the social and emotional learning that is crucial for the growing child, and the basis of Waldorf education.

We encourage you to share this site with friends and family to spread the word, so we can meet our goal.

We thank you for your support!



 For more information on Mountain Laurel Waldorf School