SAUCON VALLEY FOUNDATION FOR EDUCATIONAL INNOVATION
TO FUND SAUCON ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER
For immediate release: Contact Susan Kennedy, suzntk@aol.com, 484-894-6779
HELLERTOWN, PA. (Nov. 15, 2010) – Initiating its first major project after more than 60 small grants since 2007 totaling $65,000, the Saucon Valley Foundation for Educational Innovation will provide funds for an Environmental Education Center on the Saucon Valley School District campus off Polk Valley Road.
Conceptual ideas for the space include: an educational pavilion for outdoor learning, access trails, weather stations and student-planted gardens. Bat, bird and toad houses, habitat signage and a sun dial are some of the lower-cost possibilities for the space.
The Saucon Valley Foundation for Educational Innovation (SVFEI) has reached an agreement with LandConcepts of Blue Bell, Pa., for the design and master plan of an Environmental Education Center, on a 3-4 acre undeveloped natural area on school district property, between the school district campus and Polk Valley Park.
A view of the athletic fields from the proposed site of Environmental Education Center (photo by Carl Atkinson)
The cost of the planning phase was partially covered by a grant from the Majestic Realty Foundation, the philanthropic arm of a company developing an intermodal business facility off route 412.
“This creative and innovative use of school district property will benefit not only each of our more than 2,400 students, but everyone in the community,” said Saucon Valley School District Superintendent Sandra Fellin. “I envision community groups and students from other districts across the Valley experiencing the multiple ecosystems that exist on this special piece of land.”
The planners from LandConcepts have seen the community-wide success of similar projects such as the Jarret Nature Center in the Hatboro-Horsham School District. “From hiking trails and on-site nature inspired poetry and photography contests to scientific long-range wetlands studies, our team has seen the benefits that environmental centers provide the community at large,” said Rick Collier of LandConcepts.
To administer the six-month master planning process, a steering committee was created consisting of four teachers, two administrators and two SVFEI trustees. In addition, two students will be selected to join the team and community volunteers are needed.
“Although high school, middle school, and elementary school teachers have been taking students outside for years to study different aspects of the local environment, we are thrilled to now be provided with an actual classroom from which to work,” said Saucon Valley 8th grade science teacher Bob Kachmar. “If kids are immersed in the environment they are learning about, their understanding of how the world works will greatly improve. We’re thankful that the Foundation is providing this important opportunity for students for the generations to come!”
The planning and design phase is expected to be completed by late May 2011. LandConcepts and the steering committee together will analyze the site, identify site opportunities and issues, develop potential curriculum activities and revise and refine concept plans into a final master plan. Once determined next spring, the plan will be presented along with total estimated costs and the Foundation and steering committee will determine how best to move forward. Funding and implementation of the project could be done at once, or in a phased process.
“The Foundation’s financial support for a major project has been discussed since we formed in 2007,” said Grants Chair Leslie O’Connell. “We are gratified to know that our mission is going to be displayed in a unique educational experience at the Environmental Center. It’s with partners such as Majestic Realty, and the support of the community, that the Foundation will be able to expand our reach as we continue to provide funding for curriculum-based innovative learning opportunities.”
The Foundation, an autonomous organization with its own bylaws and a 501(c) (3) tax exempt status, separate and distinct from the Saucon Valley School Board, is comprised of more than 20 community leaders.
For more information on the Foundation, please contact Susan Kennedy, SVFEI Marketing & Public Relations, suzntk@aol.com, 484-894-6779 or visit www.svfoundation.net.
ABOUT THE SAUCON VALLEY FOUNDATION FOR EDUCATIONAL INNOVATION
The Saucon Valley Foundation for Educational Innovation (www.svfoundation.net) was established in 2007 by a group of community and business leaders who recognize that the quality of an education system and the vitality of the community it serves are intertwined. These residents want to ensure the continued success of our current students, as well as that of future generations. The Foundation’s mission is to achieve and maintain innovative excellence by employing private resources to supplement traditional classroom funding.
The Foundation’s vision is to provide creative and innovative learning opportunities for students and teachers that are beyond the scope of the school budget. The Foundation will raise private funds to be used by the schools for projects and creative learning opportunities for all students.
The Foundation funds are not intended to substitute or replace existing taxpayer funding. Instead they are meant to supplement programs and give teachers the opportunity to expand their curriculum with items that don’t fall under the school budget.
Primary funds have been created to encourage innovative achievement in seven target areas: The Technology & Learning Fund; The Arts & Education Fund; The Cultural Enrichment Fund; The Scholastic Enhancement Fund; The Health & Wellness Fund; the Entrepreneurship Fund; and the Professional Development Fund.
