Teacher: Holli Ison

School: Otis School District Preschool

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.

Photos:
Photo 1
Photo 2

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.