Teacher: Chris Delmas
School: Gardner Valley School
District: Huerfano RE-1
District Website: https://www.gardnervalleyschool.org/
School Address: 25421 CO-69, PO Box 181, Gardner, CO 81040
Grade Level: Greenhouse/Lifeskills, SS, PE
Region: Southeast
Project Title: Horticultural Improvements
Category: Field Trips & Outdoor Learning
Amount Requested: $2,000

Project Description:
We are requesting funds for environmental and ecological improvements on our grounds and in our greenhouses. Soil and infrastructure are our two immediate needs. Our school is located in Gardner, Colorado, and serves pre-k through 8th grade students from Walsenburg, Gardner, and surrounding areas. We have an agricultural and environmental focus, and hands-on learning is integral to our curriculum. Most of our students are at-risk and receive free lunches. This funding would allow us to expand on our outdoor classroom, greenhouse, and life-skills programs. Its impact would be immediate, as we currently rely on community donations. It would empower our students by providing the resources they need to elevate the work they've already begun.

Proposal:
Gardner Valley School serves a small rural community where many students come from poverty and rely on our "it takes a village" approach for success. Many live with grandparents or relatives and face challenges such as violence and hunger at home. Our school offers a safe haven, with hands-on learning every day. Volunteers and staff dedicate their time to support our students, focusing on Social and Emotional Learning as well as practical skills in our greenhouses and raised flower beds.

We are requesting funds for soil and infrastructure, including vertical growing racks, hydroponics, aquaponics, and composting systems. These systems will help students grow their own food and develop essential life skills, fostering creativity and innovation. The impact will be felt across the school, with increased yields from our gardens and improved mental and physical health for students. While we have the dedication and creativity, we lack the necessary resources to expand.

Budget Breakdown:

• Aquaponics systems: $60-$150 each, 3-4 needed ($200-$500)
• Hydroponics systems: $70-$300 each, 1-2 needed ($70-$300)
• Composting bins: $50-$300 each, 2-3 needed ($100-$400)
• Topsoil: $3.29/cubic foot, 240 cubic feet needed ($800)

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Teacher: Shelley Green
School: Custer County Schools C-1
District: Custer County School District C-1
District Website: https://custercountyschools.org
School Address: 709 Main Street, Westcliffe, CO 81252
Grade Level: Gifted and Talented 1st-12th
Region: Central Mountains
Project Title: Expand Their Horizons
Category: Field Trips & Outdoor Learning
Amount Requested: $2,000

Project Description:
I would like to take a small group of about 10 Gifted and Talented High School students on an overnight field trip to Denver. During this trip, we will spend a full day at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, where students will engage with exhibits that will expand their knowledge of science and nature. This trip will provide an enriching experience outside of the classroom, helping these students explore new horizons and deepen their understanding of the world.

Proposal:
This field trip aims to provide students with an immersive learning experience at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. They will participate in the planetarium and infinity theater experiences, exploring scientific and natural wonders in an engaging environment. The budget includes costs for transportation, lodging, food, and museum entry fees.

Impact on Students:
This trip will provide Gifted and Talented students with exposure to new learning experiences that will enhance their academic growth. The field trip will help foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking while giving students the opportunity to apply their learning in real-world settings. These students will benefit from an enriching experience that goes beyond traditional classroom learning.

Budget Breakdown:

• Entry Costs: $34/student (general entry + planetarium + infinity theater) x 10 students = $340
• Adult Entry: $43/adult x 3 = $129
• Lodging: $1,200
• Food: $600
• Transportation: $350 (14-person bus)

Total Cost Budget: $2,619

Link to Supporting Documents: Denver Museum of Nature and Science Field Trip Budget

Teacher: Patrick Linnehan
School: Gilpin County Elementary School
District: Gilpin County School District
District Website: gilpin.k12.co.us
School Address: 10595 Hwy 119, Central Mountains
Grade Level: 4,5
Region: Central Mountains
Project Title: 100 Elk Outdoor Education Trip
Category: Field Trips & Outdoor Learning
Amount Requested: $2,000

Project Description:
Gilpin County Elementary School students will attend the 100 Elk Outdoor Education Field Trip. This trip is a 3-day, 2-night adventure for all fourth and fifth grade students, totaling 60 participants. Students will learn valuable outdoor skills like archery, canoeing, and hiking, as well as study the local ecology with the guidance of experienced instructors. The trip costs $230 per student, and we aim to reduce this financial burden for families, making this incredible learning and bonding experience accessible to all.

Proposal:
The 100 Elk Outdoor Education Trip is a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in nature, gain hands-on knowledge of the Rocky Mountain environment, and develop practical outdoor skills. Beyond the educational benefits, this trip fosters teamwork, self-confidence, and lifelong memories for the students. However, at $230 per participant, the cost can be prohibitive for many families. The requested funds will help reduce the cost per student and allow us to ensure that all students, regardless of financial circumstances, can attend.

Budget Breakdown:

The $2,000 requested will reduce the cost per student by $33, providing much-needed financial relief for the participating families.

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Teacher: Cassandra Barfoot
School: Weld Central High School
District: Re3j
District Website: Weld Central High School
School Address: 4715 Co Rd 59, Keenesburg, CO 80643
Grade Level: 9th Grade Advisory
Region: Central Mountains
Project Title: Conquer YOUR Obstacles
Category: Field Trips & Outdoor Learning
Amount Requested: $2,000

Project Description:
Weld Central High School's Freshman Advisory group is seeking funding to support an important field trip as part of the "Discovery Program," designed to help freshmen build a sense of community and learn positive social skills. The school serves a large rural area, and many students come from different towns, making it difficult to form a close-knit community. The "Discovery Program" helps students develop essential communication and social skills needed to succeed in school, at home, and in future careers.

One of the key events is a ropes course trip at "The Edge" in Castle Rock, where students will participate in team-building exercises and activities that promote trust, risk-taking, and teamwork. This activity helps reinforce the lessons learned in the program and provides an opportunity for students to bond with each other. The day-long trip is a vital component of the program and is mandatory for all freshmen.

Budget Breakdown:

Ropes Course at "The Edge" in Castle Rock: $44 per person
Total Participants: 158 freshmen students and 8 teachers
Total Cost: $7,304

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Teacher: Cassandra Barfoot
School: Weld Central High School
District: Re3j
District Website: Weld Central High School
School Address: 4715 Co Rd 59, Keenesburg, CO 80643
Grade Level: 9th Grade Advisory
Region: Central Mountains
Project Title: Conquer YOUR Obstacles
Category: Field Trips & Outdoor Learning
Amount Requested: $2,000

Project Description:
Weld Central High School's Freshman Advisory group is seeking funding to support an important field trip as part of the "Discovery Program," designed to help freshmen build a sense of community and learn positive social skills. The school serves a large rural area, and many students come from different towns, making it difficult to form a close-knit community. The "Discovery Program" helps students develop essential communication and social skills needed to succeed in school, at home, and in future careers.

One of the key events is a ropes course trip at "The Edge" in Castle Rock, where students will participate in team-building exercises and activities that promote trust, risk-taking, and teamwork. This activity helps reinforce the lessons learned in the program and provides an opportunity for students to bond with each other. The day-long trip is a vital component of the program and is mandatory for all freshmen.

Budget Breakdown:

Ropes Course at "The Edge" in Castle Rock: $44 per person
Total Participants: 158 freshmen students and 8 teachers

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Teacher: Nolan George
School: Weld Central High School
District: RE3J
District Website: Weld Central High School
School Address: 4715 Co Rd 59, Keenesburg, CO 80643
Grade Level: 9th grade advisory
Region: Central Mountains
Project Title: Conquer YOUR Obstacles
Category: Field Trips & Outdoor Learning
Amount Requested: $2,000

Project Description:
Weld Central High School is requesting funds to support the Freshman advisory group through the "Discovery Program," a new initiative aimed at building community and teaching students essential social skills. The school serves a large rural district with students from various towns, and the program addresses the challenge of fostering community among students who are geographically dispersed. The Discovery Program includes direct instruction, teacher modeling, practice, and feedback to help students develop positive social skills, gain self-confidence, and improve their sense of belonging.

A key component of the program is a ropes course training day at "The Edge" in Castle Rock. The activity will reinforce lessons learned throughout the year and strengthen bonds among the students. This ropes course focuses on team-building, trust, appropriate risk-taking, and stepping out of comfort zones. The experience is mandatory for all freshmen and serves as an opportunity for students to grow together and build a strong community.

Budget Breakdown:

• Cost per Person for The Edge Program: $44
• Number of Participants: 158 students and 8 teachers
• Total Cost: $7,304

The request for $2,000 in additional funding will help offset the total cost, making the ropes course experience more affordable for students in this small rural district.

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Teacher: Zachary Stinnett
School: Weld Central High School
District: Weld Re-3J
District Website: re3j.com
School Address: 4715 Co Rd 59, Keenesburg, CO 80643
Grade Level: 9th Grade Advisory
Region: Central Mountains
Project Title: Conquer YOUR Obstacles
Category: Field Trips & Outdoor Learning
Amount Requested: $2,000

Project Description:
Our school struggles with climate and culture because of the square miles that our district covers. Our high school provides education for 3 different communities in rural Colorado. Since there are 3 different communities, our school sometimes struggles with creating a positive culture of teamwork and accountability. Our new advisory program is designed to create accountability and teamwork in our school. Part of the program is to go out and do exciting field trips with the students so they can learn what it is like to be a part of a team. Our school is asking for funding so we can take our students on a field trip that will contribute to community building, group problem-solving, and excitement regarding school.

Our school has started a new program for the freshman class. We have often experienced that these students struggle with finding community, understanding the importance of culture, and school. This can lead to issues both inside and outside the classroom. Using the "Discovery Program," we are helping students to learn the positive social skills necessary to thrive at school, at home, and/or in a work environment. As students become better communicators, they gain clarity and a renewed sense of optimism. They begin to believe in themselves again. This program follows a curriculum with different physical activities throughout the year to promote these ideas. Approximately halfway through the year, 9th-grade teachers and students will attend a ropes course training. It is a day of adventure, learning, and reinforcing skills learned in class. This activity cements the group and is mandatory for all students. The entire day is a "challenge by choice," but all students attend and function as a team member.

Budget Breakdown:

• Cost per Person for The Edge Program: $44
• Number of Participants: 158 students and 8 teachers
• Total Cost: $2,000 per freshman advisory

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Website: gses.rfsd.k12.co.us

Address: 915 School St., Glenwood Springs, CO 81601

Grade Level: K-5 PE and Adventure

Region: Central Mountains

Project Title: Taking Risks on Ropes

Category: Vocational & Physical Education

Funding Amount Requested: $1965

Project Description:
Glenwood Springs Elementary is a Title 1 school where over half of the student body qualifies for free and reduced lunch. The school emphasizes risk-taking in learning, and this project will enhance the students' abilities to explore risks through their challenge course, which includes climbing walls and high/low ropes. The purpose of this course is to foster teamwork, determination, and the ability to try new things. Students use this course yearly, and it's a favorite among them. The course helps students develop both academic and life skills while improving teamwork.

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Impact:
The ropes course, located in the school gym, features a climbing wall, high ropes, and a zip line. Due to the recent inspection, some equipment needs to be retired for safety reasons. To ensure student and staff safety, we require updated helmets, harnesses, belay devices, carabiners, and ropes. This funding will enable students from small kindergartners to adult-sized 5th graders to safely use the course, which provides a unique opportunity for students, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. This course fosters confidence, teamwork, and perseverance.

Use of Funds:

• One Petzl climbing rope for high rope belaying: $200
• Two Petzl carabiners for belaying: $25 each
• Two Petzl belay devices: $150 each
• Six Petzl full-body harnesses: $95 each
• Nine Petzl helmets: $70 each
• Two small Ouisiti harnesses: $75 each
• Two Corax Petzl harnesses: $80 each

Total: $1,965

Website: www.merit.academy

Address: 500 E. Kelley's Road Woodland Park, CO 80863

Grade Level: Kindergarten - All Subjects

Region: Southeast

Project Title: Active Kinders Playing Outside

Category: Field Trips & Outdoor Learning

Funding Amount Requested: $950

Project Description:
Merit Academy is in its fourth year as a Classical Education Charter School in Woodland Park. Our kindergarten program has grown from 16 students in year one to 48 students now. We have one small playground structure shared by all students, but we need more equipment to keep children active. We have ample space, including woods and a full field, and are requesting funds for sport balls and nets. Many of our students participate in after-school teams, and we would love to provide them opportunities to engage in active play during school hours. Research supports that increased outdoor activity improves focus in the classroom.

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Impact:
This grant would provide much-needed sports equipment for kindergarten through second grade, enabling students to engage in various games like soccer, basketball, dodgeball, and football. With access to new equipment and soccer goals, students will practice teamwork and physical activity. These outdoor activities align with Merit Academy's five virtues: goodness, friendship, valor, perseverance, and responsibility. Through sports, students will demonstrate these values both individually and together. This initiative will keep children active and engaged, fostering both physical and social development.

Use of Funds:
- The Ultimate Sports Pack (120 pieces of equipment): $700
- Soccer Goals: $250

Website: upe.mssd14.org

Address: 9230 Chipita Park Rd. Cascade, CO 80809

Grade Level: 4th math ELA science social studies

Region: Central Mountains

Project Title: Environmental Outdoor Education

Category: Field Trips & Outdoor Learning

Funding Amount Requested: $2,000

Project Description:
Ute Pass Elementary School is a public rural school in Cascade, Colorado, with 173 students, 50% of whom qualify for free and reduced lunch. The school's mission is to provide K-6 students with environmental outdoor education opportunities that challenge the traditional public school model. Each year, the fourth-grade class participates in an overnight backpacking trip and concludes the year with a two-night camping trip to reinforce learning and community building. Additionally, students maintain indoor vegetable gardens, conduct monthly field studies in local open-space areas, and travel for various field trips to study Colorado history and ecology. This project relies on fundraising and donations to support these enriching educational opportunities.

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Impact:
The Environmental Outdoor Education program at Ute Pass Elementary provides fourth-grade students with immersive, hands-on learning experiences that foster a deep understanding of ecology, history, and community. Students gain firsthand knowledge of the connection between natural resources, local watersheds, and agriculture, and participate in activities that help them understand where their food and water come from. The project offers an invaluable learning experience and strengthens students' bonds with each other, their community, and the natural environment.

Use of Funds:

• Field trips: $600
• Transportation: $400
• Camping trip exploring the Arkansas River Watershed and Colorado history (La Junta, CO): $1,000

School Website: crestone-charter-school.org

Project Description:
Crestone Charter School, located north of the Great Sand Dunes in the San Luis Valley, is an experiential-based charter school where learning extends far beyond the classroom. Jane Elliott, a K-1 teacher, is seeking funding for the "Let's Learn to Swim" project, which ensures that all students in grades K-3 learn vital water safety and swimming skills. At Crestone Charter School, we believe swimming is an essential life skill that prepares our students for a variety of water-related activities they'll encounter throughout their school years, including river rafting, camping at lakes, and more. This project will provide 25 students with swimming lessons at the Great Sand Dunes Hot Springs in Hooper, CO.

Project Proposal:
The "Let's Learn to Swim" project is aimed at teaching students essential swimming and water safety skills to prepare them for outdoor adventures and life. The most critical reason for learning to swim is safety: we want our students to be able to save their own lives in a water emergency. In addition to swimming lessons, students at Crestone Charter School frequently explore natural areas with creeks, lakes, and rivers. By supporting this project, you will help ensure that all students in this program are water-safe, equipped with the skills they need for future school trips and outdoor experiences.

Budget Narrative:

We are requesting funds for the entrance fee to the Great Sand Dunes Hot Springs swimming pool in Hooper, CO. The entry fee is $8.00 per student, and we plan to swim 10 times this fall. With 25 students participating, we are asking for support to cover these costs.

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Website: otisr3.com

Address: 518 Dungan Street, Otis, CO

Grade Level: Preschool

Region: Northeast

Project Title: Outdoor Learning Environment

Category: Field Trips & Outdoor Learning

Funding Amount Requested: $2,000

Project Description:
We are a preschool program in Otis, Colorado, as part of the K-12 building. We were rated a 5 in Colorado Shines last December, and quality is very important to us. We serve a very low-income population with many students coming from non-traditional families, including single parents, grandparents, and blended families. Due to the rural nature of Otis, most families drive 15 miles to their jobs, making our school a vital resource. Funding is always tight, and we lack adequate daycare options in town. This project would greatly benefit our preschool program by enhancing outdoor play, which is essential for students' health and gross motor skill development.

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Impact:
We are requesting funds to purchase bikes and equipment for our sandbox. Our bike path is a favorite of our students, but several bikes have broken in the past few years. Many of our students have never ridden a tricycle before, and bikes help build their gross motor skills. We also have a covered sandbox, but lack quality tools and equipment for exploration and play. Sand play fosters social-emotional learning, and adding tools like trucks and tractors will allow students to learn while playing. These outdoor activities promote both physical and social development, making our learning environment more dynamic and beneficial.

Use of Funds:
We plan to use the funds as follows: $900 for three tricycles ($300 each), $580 for a high-quality sand digger, and $520 for sandbox equipment like durable trucks and tractors. We prioritize ordering through early childhood education companies to ensure the products are long-lasting and of high quality.

Teacher: Beth Nelson
School: Black Canyon High School - Engagement Center
District: Montrose School District RE-1J
District Website: https://www.mcsd.org/BCHS_EC
School Address: 930 Colorado Avenue, Montrose, CO 81401
Grade Level: 7-8
Region: Southwest
Project Title: Mindfulness Trip to Ouray, CO
Category: Field Trips & Outdoor Learning
Amount Requested: $2,000

Project Description:
We seek funding for a field trip for 80 students in our Engagement Center program, focusing on mindful thinking, self-care, and physical exercise. This day-long excursion to Ouray, Colorado, will include a hike around Ouray's scenic perimeter and a visit to the historic Ouray Hot Springs. The springs, fed by Box Canyon, produce a continuous flow of 250-300 gallons per minute of 150-degree mineral water, historically known as "Miracle Waters" for their healing properties. This trip will provide students with a unique opportunity to enhance physical health, mental well-being, and appreciation for natural environments.

Proposal:
Our Engagement Center program serves students at risk of school dropout due to truancy, academic failures, or behavioral issues. This trip will offer these students a day dedicated to mental health and physical wellness. The itinerary includes a scenic perimeter hike and a visit to the Ouray Hot Springs, known for their detoxifying and rejuvenating properties. The hike will promote physical fitness, while the springs will offer relaxation and an opportunity to practice mindfulness and self-care. By providing this experience, we hope to reinforce the importance of mental health and build stronger relationships with our students, supporting their overall well-being.

Budget Breakdown:

4 punch passes for Ouray Hot Springs: $1,600
Gas/Travel: $400
Hike: No cost
Picnic Lunch: Provided by the school
Treat: Seeking local sponsorship

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Teacher: Evelyn Nelson
School: Ouray Elementary, Middle, and High School
District: Ouray R-1
District Website: www.ourayschool.org
School Address: 400 7th Ave, PO BOX N, Ouray, CO 81427
Grade Level: K-12
Region: Southwest
Project Title: Special Ed. Adaptive Ski/Sport
Category: Field Trips & Outdoor Learning
Amount Requested: $1,000

Project Description:
We are requesting funds to provide students with disabilities the opportunity to participate in adaptive skiing and snowboarding experiences in Telluride. Ouray is a small town with around 200 students from PreK-12. I case manage 11 students K-4, and my colleague manages 13 students in grades 5-12. We serve a diverse population of students with developmental delays, Down syndrome, Autism, Emotional, and Specific Learning Disabilities. Many of our families are from low SES backgrounds and struggle to afford these outdoor opportunities. This grant will help cover the costs for lunch, snacks, and drinks while our students participate in the Telluride Adaptive Sports Program (TASP), where they gain physical skills, confidence, and build peer relationships.

Proposal:
While we receive some funding to cover registration and rental costs, this grant would help cover any increases in fees, as well as meals for the students during their lessons. The goal is to eliminate the financial burden on families, so students can fully engage in the adaptive outdoor experience. Students who attend TASP show tremendous growth in physical abilities, self-confidence, and social interactions with peers.

Budget Breakdown:

$900 for pizza, drinks, and snacks for 13 students over 3 lessons
$100 for assistance with potential increases in registration or rental fees

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Teacher: Cassidy Bowman
School: Centennial Middle School/Black Canyon High School
District: Montrose County School District
District Website: https://www.mcsd.org/centennialmiddleschool_home.aspx
School Address: 1100 S. 5th St, Montrose, CO 81401
Grade Level: 6-8 Engagement Center Teacher
Region: Southwest
Project Title: Strengthening Social Skills
Category: Field Trips & Outdoor Learning
Amount Requested: $1,030

Project Description:
I work with at-risk youth who do not have the opportunities to experience enriching activities. Many of my students are living in poverty, which limits access to such opportunities. One of my students' favorite field trips is to the escape room followed by lunch at a sit-down restaurant. These trips focus on developing problem-solving, collaboration, and effective communication skills at the escape room, as well as restaurant etiquette, a crucial social skill.

Proposal:
In the Engagement Center, we strive to reengage students with their learning through various field trips. These students often lack the skills needed to succeed in traditional classrooms, so we focus on building those skills. To participate, students must work on improving their attendance and behavior. The escape room field trip is a valuable yet more expensive experience compared to other trips. In teams of 4-5, students work on problem-solving, code-breaking, and teamwork, all vital for success in school and the workplace. For most students, this will be their first time at an escape room.

Afterward, we take the students to a sit-down restaurant, where they practice essential social skills such as using manners, appropriate behavior without devices, and tipping etiquette. This field trip gives them a unique opportunity to learn restaurant behavior, often for the first time, in a supportive environment.

Budget Breakdown:

• Escape Room: $23 per student x 27 students = $621
• Lunch: $15 per student x 27 students = $405

Total: $1,030

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Website: www.deltaschools.com

Address: 845 SE Deer Creek Drive, Cedaredge, CO 81413

Grade Level: 6th-8th Grades Visual Arts

Region: Southwest

Project Title: Think Outside the Walls!

Category: Field Trips & Outdoor Learning

Funding Amount Requested: $1980

Project Description:
I am requesting funding for a "go-wagon" equipped with a class set of outdoor chairs and clipboards to help teachers conduct classes outside easily and successfully. Our school is located in rural western Colorado at the base of the beautiful and expansive Grand Mesa. While we have established trails and parks nearby, we rarely conduct classes outdoors beyond recess and P.E. With the right tools, holding any class outdoors could be simple and meaningful. We serve 189 students in grades 6-8, with 49% qualifying for free or reduced lunch. This initiative would benefit the entire school, encouraging students to move and learn amidst the scenic beauty of our surroundings.

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Impact:
Attending the "Teaching Students Outdoors Workshop with Good Natured Learning" last spring inspired me to make outdoor learning more accessible at our school. Outdoor learning has proven social and emotional benefits, including increased physical and mental wellness, improved student behaviors, more equitable learning, and fostering environmental stewardship. By providing teachers with a "go-wagon," complete with outdoor chairs and clipboards, we can easily move classes outdoors, encouraging students to engage in embodied, real-world learning experiences. This initiative would model effective outdoor education and support a shift toward less screen time and more hands-on experiences, improving our school's culture and student well-being.

Use of Funds:
The total cost for the "go-wagon" is approximately $1980.
- All-terrain wagon: $109.00
- 28 Crazy Creek chairs: $1740.00
- Class set of clipboards: $130.00
Any remaining funds will be used to purchase a whiteboard that can fit in the wagon.