Harley Courtyard
Beautifying Our Courtyard
Harley Avenue has a wonderful courtyard with a pond. Our goal is to morph this space to allow for outdoor lessons and shaded places for class snack. This will be a space that we beautify then donate to the school. If you are interested in donating to this, please contact Jaime Gabriel to coordinate donation.
Beautifying Courtyard Needs:
o 3-4 Butterfly
o 5-6 Annual flats in the spring
o Garden fencing around pond
o 2 large deck boxes
Making Outdoor Classroom Needs (specific brand & cost pending):
o Outdoor white board
o 3 picnic tables
o 3 outdoor umbrellas
o 25 lap desks (~$100 for 10 on Amazon)
o 2 Outdoor fans
Financial donations/gift cards welcome
2 dates will be identified in the middle-late spring for volunteers to help bring the courtyard together
This amazing space is nestled at the center of the building offering a unique opportunity to provide our Harley kids with a beautiful and safe environment to learn outside! Harley PTA is so excited to work with Harley Avenue to transform this area into a functional and thriving outdoor classroom.
Plans for the space include:
- Installing an all weather whiteboard
- Installing seating that will allow students to write.
- Providing a shaded area for sun protection
- Installing fencing around the existing pond
-Revitalizing and expanding the flower beds
- Evening out the terrain
-Installing planting beds for science lessons.
- Painting a mural depicting the values of our school.
- New pond equipment for the 28 beautiful Koi and 2 turtles living at Harley!
The Science Behind Outdoor Learning
The sun on our faces always seems to make our days a little better, but did you know there is science behind that feeling? Over the years studies have reinforced the benefits of being and learning outside. This outdoor classroom space will provide the perfect backdrop as Harley teachers help our kids become the very best versions of themselves.
Benefit Highlights:
Outdoor classrooms provide unique opportunities for students to problem solve and develop critical thinking in a unique environment. These skills often translate into higher test scores and a higher GPA.
Children working through behavioral challenges often exhibit a reduction in behavioral occurrences while in an outside classroom, leading to a more productive learning experience.
Spending as little as 20 minutes outside can help lower your blood pressure and reduce stress levels. You don't even need to be engaged in a physical activity to enjoy these benefits, simply sitting outside while reading is enough to kick start the stress relief.
30 minutes of outside time a day helps the body regulate sleep and encourage a healthy sleep pattern. Healthy sleep regulation leads to increased cognitive function and better mood among many other benefits.
Would You Like to Help Make This Happen?
These fantastic projects might be organized by the committee, but they're made possible by parents like you. Thank you for taking the time to consider helping us achieve this goal and providing our kids with something truly special. Listed below there are several ways you can help us make it happen! If you have any questions or would like clarification please do not hesitate to contact us via email, or contact a specific member of the board. Thank you again!
Little Caesar's Pizza - Keep a few boxes in your freezer for a DIY pizza night on the fly! Flyers will be coming home with more information on September 18th.
Direct Monetary Donation - All funds collected through this link will be used strictly for the purpose of creating the perfect outdoor classroom for our kids. Thank you so much for your generosity!
Business Donation - Do you or someone you know have a business that is willing to donate items we could need? Please contact us via email to discuss the details! Your donation will be proudly utilized in the outdoor classroom and bring joy to our kids for years to come!
-Landscaping Hard Goods
-Pond Equipment / Decoration
-Sail Cloth
-Benches & Tables
Donate a Perennial - In the Spring of 2024, an update will go out along with a sign up to bring a plant for the outdoor classroom space. More information will be available soon! Thank you for helping us make our classroom beautiful.