MVCS outdoor classroom project
On August 14, 2020, volunteers started preparing the outdoor spaces at MVCS to accommodate additional classroom needs due to COVID-19. Thanks to many generous donors and numerous volunteers, we constructed five semi-permanent structures that will shelter students and teachers from the elements outdoors.
With a simple post and beam design, these 12’ x 12’ hemlock lean-tos can be expanded with canvas tarps (to tie-down posts), providing an additional 10’ x 10’ sheltered space. In keeping with our philosophy, the structures have minimal visual impact on the landscape.
UPDATE: As of October 1, 2020 volunteers completed all of the shelters.
We have also erected tarps, cleared designated trails, built bridges, and deposited wood chips across Fort Creek with the goal that each class will maintain separate outdoor spaces and paths on our campus until otherwise deemed unnecessary.
outdoor classrooms
Click below to see how the outdoor classroom structures have evolved with the dedication of our volunteers!
saplings’ Grove
eaglets’ eyrie
loons’ nest
black bears’ den
brook trouts’ cove
fort creek bridges
Left above: Rebecca Hegarty, John Christ, and Casey Niederhauser clearing trees for outdoor classroom structures; left below: Robin Goldstein and Rebecca Hegarty making trails; above: Casey Niederhauser and Robin Goldstein building trails.
Dominick Marzola clears the trail to the Watering Hole.
Thanks Dominick Marzola for our beautiful new sign!
gratitude
Many, many thanks to all of our volunteers: Stephen Jencks, Greg Jencks Jr., Greg Jencks Sr., Keith Jencks, Jeremy Laucks, Kate Laucks, Dominick Marzola, David Goldstein, Casey Niederhauser, Kelly Neiderhauser, Josh Nossaman, Katy Gautsch, Erin Marlowe, John Martin, John Christ, Kelsey Gadwah, Mike Ouellette, Stephen Wilson, Ariana Ziminisky, Eli Haber, Kim Vance, Matt Shroyer, Meghan Shroyer, Rebecca Faulkner Hegarty, Matt Southard, Paul Turley, Paul Richards, Jenny Juri, Billie Jo Buskey, Bill Buskey, Nick Hapshe, Sharon Hapshe, Brian Guelich, Meghan Charon, Eric Charon, Brian Felice, Tim Curry.
Thank you to our donors: Hazel and Silas; Sidney Goldstein; The Freckers; Amelia and Brendan Philbin; Dom and Ella; Danielle Rice; Erika, Olivia, and Ava Shokal; Dottie and Steve Kelsey; Jan and Tim Murray; John, Teddy and Allie Southard; Beverley Grant; Kinsley O’Connor; Bridget, Keenan, Katie Kevin and Loki Wilcox; Erin Marlowe; David and Pam; Mary McCumber; Melanie Devaney; Kera, Suzanne and Bob; the Roman Family; Michelle Grant; Michelle Davis; Joel Wade; the Barton Family; Aunt Sarah and Uncle Clay; Murphy Gautsch; Grammy Anne and Grampy R; Marie Davis; Scott Levick; Ellen and Rich Lawrence; Nana and Gramps Jencks; Carrie Shephard; Jennifer Donovan; and all you anonymous givers out there!
To get involved, e mail Head of School Katy Gautsch at katy@mountainvillagecharterschool.org
If you would like to make a donation towards our outdoor classroom construction costs, click here.