Cathedral House Playground FAQ's
What are Cathedral House’s philosophy and mission?
We believe that a child's first learning experiences should develop a keen understanding of himself and the world of which he is a part and should foster a passion for further learning. Our goal is to instill in each child a foundation to rise above his circumstances and a framework to guide him throughout that quest. We endeavor to establish and maintain a community which will achieve our goal in a loving and secure environment. To learn more, click http://www.metropolitanmontessorischools.com
What services does Cathedral House deliver?
Cathedral House delivers programs for children ages six weeks through five years of age, low caregiver to child ratios, individual instruction, academic curriculum including mathematics, geography, science, reading and writing, unique cultural opportunities, a wide variety of developmentally appropriate enrichment activities, and wholesome lunches and snacks in an aesthetically inviting and family-friendly environment.
Playground Details
Why does Cathedral House need a new playground?
CHES’ playground is nearly twenty years old and requires renovation. CHES currently has a unique need for support to achieve a specific goal that is critical to the school’s ongoing success and viability as a premiere educational institution – rebuilding its playground.
How will Cathedral House students benefit from having a new playground?
Children like to play, but children also need play to flourish. Many of the developmental tasks and social skills that children must achieve can be most effectively learned through outdoor play. These tasks include exploring, risk taking, fine and gross motor development, and absorption of vast amounts of basic knowledge. Playgrounds are places where children’s play can truly take form. Good outdoor playgrounds must be large enough and designed in such a way that children can express themselves fully. A playground is a place where children can safely run and jump and hide, expanding their imagination and exploring the natural world.
Where can I see a rendition of the new playground?
Click to see a rendition of the new playground.
Cathedral House Playground Sketch
What will be included in the new playground?
The new playground has been planned keeping in mind quality, safety, durability, efficiency, developmental appropriateness, fun, and child care licensing standards. The main features in the plan include improved drainage, a new synthetic turf surface, a large play structure for older children, two small play structures for smaller children, a see saw, a small slide, a garden, a deck and picnic area, and a sand pit.
How can I find out more about the particular play items?
Green Links (Certified Playground Installer)
http://www.greenlinksinc.com
Large Play Structure (MEC 735 Hamlet) http://bigtoys.com/catalog.php?action=ProductDetail&ProductID=125
Small Play Structure M700P Red House)
http://products.kompan.com/us/Products/Early_Childhood_Products/MOMENTS/3509/Red_House_M7000P.html
Slide (M327P Mighty Muskateer)
http://products.kompan.com/us/Products/Early_Childhood_Products/MOMENTS/3500/Mighty_Musketeer_M327P.htm
See saw (M164P You and Me)
http://products.kompan.com/us/Products/Early_Childhood_Products/MOMENTS/3546/You_and_Me_M164P.html
Small play structure (MEC640-10 Playhouse Compact)
http://bigtoys.com/catalog.php?action=ProductDetail&ProductID=115
Who will install the new playground?
A Certified Playground Installer will install the new playground.
Can parents just build the new playground over a couple of weekends?
For safety and regulatory reasons, a Certified Playground Installer will install the new playground.
Anticipated Costs
How much will the new playground cost?
The planned playground is anticipated to cost approximately $120,000. This includes a reserve for unanticipated expenses.
How much money needs to be raised to build the playground?
The fundraising target for the planned playground is $120,000.
How much money has been raised?
Click to find out: http://www.DiscoverCHES.org
Also, the lobby display at the school will be updated regularly to reflect funds raised to date. Parents will receive regular updates, including via email.
What are the major drivers of the new playground cost?
Key cost components include improved drainage, new synthetic turf surfacing, a large play structure, smaller play structures, a slide, a see saw, sand pit, garden, freight, design fees, and installation.
Why does the school need help paying for the new playground?
CHES is a part of Christ Church Cathedral, a non-profit 501c(3) organization, and it has a unique need for support to achieve a specific goal that is critical to the school’s ongoing success and viability as a premiere educational institution – rebuilding its playground.
Why are parents raising the money versus a tuition increase?
The school has a unique and specific need to raise money for this capital project. There will be a focused fundraising effort which has a defined start and end.
Will parents be expected to fund the entire cost of the playground?
No. CHES has already received one major outside donation and is receiving significant kick off donations from the Cathedral House Episcopal Church and the school operations owner. The Playground Committee will continue working with the school, church, and potential outside donors to raise funds for the new playground.
Schedule
When will construction start on the new playground?
The target date for construction is the first quarter of 2010.
How long will construction of the new playground last?
Once the funds are raised, construction of the playground is expected to last only a few weeks.
What does construction of the new playground entail?
Access must be gained to the site, drainage replaced, and a new synthetic turf surface and various play structures installed.
How long will Cathedral House students be unable to access the playground?
The construction is expected to last a couple of weeks, but we anticipate that some of the outdoor space will be usable during parts of the construction.
Where will the children play during construction?
The construction is expected to last a couple of weeks, but we anticipate that some of the outdoor space will be usable during parts of the construction. Indoor play space also will be provided when the playground is inaccessible.
Fundraising Process
What is the Playground Committee?
The Playground Committee is comprised of parents who are volunteering their time to help CHES raise funds for the new playground and operates under the auspices of the Parent Teacher Organization and in close coordination with the school’s administration. Members of the Playground Committee are: Lizzette Palmer (Chair), Amber Branum, Heather McLemore Chenoweth, Priya Coffey, Karla Evans Epperson, Courtney Ervin, Stacy Little, Gabby Lowy, John Neslage, Kelly Sandill, Chris Marten, Mary Marten Parsons, Chelsey Shor, and Katrina Stephenson.
Where can I get information about the status of fundraising?
Click to find out: http://www.DiscoverCHES.org. The lobby display at the school will be updated regularly to reflect funds raised to date. You also can contact Teri Jackson or any member of the Playground Committee for more information.
When is the Capital Campaign going to start?
Early August 2009.
How long will the Capital Campaign last?
The main push for the Capital Campaign is expected to extend through the end of September 2009 and perhaps through October 2009.
What will happen to donations if the school does not raise the full $120,000?
All donations will be used to build a new playground. If sufficient funds are not raised to build the playground as planned, the playground plan may have to be re-evaluated and revised.
Will there be more fundraising events for the new playground?
The main fundraising vehicle will be the capital campaign; however, the Playground Committee will continue to evaluate the campaign and other fundraising opportunities, potentially including select small events designed to raise funds.
How long will the fundraising efforts last?
We anticipate our fundraising efforts should be wrapped up in time to build the new playground in the first quarter of 2010.
Giving
How can I give?
You can make your donation via cash or check made out to Cathedral House Episcopal School-Parent Teacher Fund. You also can check to see whether arrangements can be made for donation of goods or services.
Can I give my donation in installments?
CHES parents can make a pledge during the pledge window and donate funds in installments between August and November 2009.
How do I get a receipt?
You can pick up a receipt at the front desk of the school when you make a donation, or we will mail one to you.
Will the Church or school help financially?
CHES is receiving significant kick off donations from the Cathedral House Episcopal Church and from the school operations owner. The Playground Committee will continue working with the school, church, and potential outside donors to raise funds for the new playground.
Will there be donor recognition opportunities?
Yes. Donors who give at the $500, $1000, & $2,500 level will be recognized on an art display hung in the playground. In addition, there are exciting donor recognition opportunities for larger contributions! Check out our capital campaign materials to learn more.
What will happen to my donation if we do not get sufficient funds to complete the project?
All donations will go to building a new playground. If sufficient funds are not raised to build the playground as planned, the playground plan may have to be re-evaluated and revised.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Cathedral House Episcopal School is part of a tax exempt 501c(3) organization. You can pick up a receipt at the front desk of the school when you make a donation, or we will mail one to you.
What is the deadline for making a Capital Campaign donation?
Please send in your donation by September 30, 2009.
Can parents whose children are leaving the school donate their deposit?
Check with the front desk for information on providing notice required for return of your deposit. If those requirements are met, you can donate your deposit to the playground fund.
Playground Communications
Who can I contact for more information?
Please contact Teri Jackson or any member of the Playground Committee for more information. Members of the Playground Committee are: Lizzette Palmer (Chair), Amber Branum, Heather McLemore Chenoweth, Priya Coffey, Karla Evans Epperson, Courtney Ervin, Stacy Little, Gabby Lowy, John Neslage, Kelly Sandill, Chris Marten, Mary Marten Parsons, Chelsey Shor, and Katrina Stephenson.
How can I help?
You can help by donating generously, notifying Teri Jackson or any member of the Playground Committee of fundraising opportunities or willing donors, and by volunteering with fundraising efforts.
How can I volunteer?
Contact Teri Jackson or any member of the Playground Committee. Members of the Playground Committee are: Lizzette Palmer (Chair), Amber Branum, Heather McLemore Chenoweth, Priya Coffey, Karla Evans Epperson, Courtney Ervin, Stacy Little, Gabby Lowy, John Neslage, Kelly Sandill, Chris Marten, Mary Marten Parsons, Chelsey Shor, and Katrina Stephenson.
Can I submit ideas to the Playground Committee?
Yes. Contact Teri Jackson or any member of the Playground Committee. Members of the Playground Committee are: Lizzette Palmer (Chair), Amber Branum, Heather McLemore Chenoweth, Priya Coffey, Karla Evans Epperson, Courtney Ervin, Stacy Little, Gabby Lowy, John Neslage, Kelly Sandill, Chris Marten, Mary Marten Parsons, Chelsey Shor, and Katrina Stephenson.
