The Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation has awarded a $5,000 Lowe’s “Toolbox for Education” grant to Irving Elementary in Derby for the renovation of their school playground creating a space for outdoor learning. Irving Elementary is one of more than 600 schools across the United States to be awarded a Lowe’s Toolbox for Education grant this spring for improvement projects during the 2013 – 2014 school year.
The grant will be used to create an outdoor space which meets students’ needs for physical and cognititve activity. It will include a pavilion, picnic tables, exercise stations and equipment. The pavilion will act as an outdoor classroom and provide shade. Self-guided exercise stations, designed to keep children active, will focus on a total workout. This project was designed to create a fun, comfortable, safe environment where students can learn and play. The project is scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2015.
Mrs. Jennifer Olson, principal, said, “Providing additional age-appropriate play experiences for children will support our overall health and wellness initiatives and the social development of our students. I can’t wait to see our student’s reaction when this project is completed.” Irving School’s Beautification and Events Committee, run by teachers, Charlice Culvert, Christine Ortiz, Patrice Ferrara, Nicole Criscuolo and Barbara Sobolisky, applied for the grant when they saw a need for updating the playground area on the side of the building.
“The Lowe’s Toolbox for Education program has benefited more than 5 million schoolchildren since its inception,” said Maureen Ausura, chairman of the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation. “With the support of Lowe’s Heroes employee volunteers, Lowe’s is committed to continuing to improve the educational environment for students across the country.”
Since its inception in 2006, Lowe’s Toolbox for Education has provided more than $40 million in grants to 8,500 schools, benefiting more than 5 million schoolchildren. Grants are available to K‑12 public schools in the United States for a wide range of improvement projects. Schools may be eligible to receive Toolbox grants up to $100,000. Parent groups and educators can apply by visiting ToolboxForEducation.com. The fall cycle will open on Aug. 1, 2014.
To view a full list of projects by state, visit ToolboxForEducation.com/winners. Select the spring 2014 winners tab, which will list the school and the supporting Lowe’s store available for assistance.
Since 1957, the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation has helped improve communities across North America through financial contributions and support for employee volunteerism. Please visit Irving’s website, www.derbyps.org, or Irving School’s PTO Facebook page to watch the progress in our playground.
Additionally, we need your help! Volunteers are needed for planning, construction, painting, and wherever you have talent. If you would like to be a part of this project, please contact Charlice Culvert at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call: 203 – 736-5043.
