YardEnvy.com, a lawn and garden online source for bird houses, outdoor patio furniture, and eco-friendly products, has helped in donating to the Shiloh Point Elementary Dads Club and their project to transform a desolate school courtyard into a beautiful outdoor learning environment.
The school makeover idea began when a group of dads wanted to take part in the success of their children’s school. “We wanted to do something that would have a true impact on the school, something that would be interactive that students could participate in and something that would take advantage of the dad’s skills,” said Todd Jones on behalf of the group. When they approached Principal Sharon Ericson in the fall of 2009 to request some ideas in how they could become more involved, Principal Ericson immediately pointed out the barren courtyard.
From the project’s conception, the landscape project appealed to the dads, and the group’s first meeting brought in about 25 fathers. Throughout the year the dads met and planned out the details of the project. Internet-savvy dads created a website to accept charitable donations, fathers donated materials and services, and everyone rallied the community for involvement. Donations from family and businesses included grading and irrigation, lumber, stones, and equipment rentals.
Along with other dads, Shiloh Point Elementary dad and YardEnvy.com owner Chris Miller donated his time, money, and labor to the project. “This is a win, win, win,” says Miller of the courtyard renovation. “It’s great for the families, the community and the school. I’m happy to be involved in such a great effort and it’s truly humbling to see the generosity of so many dads and businesses.”
YardEnvy.com donated two Junior Octavian Copper Top Bird Houses, and one larger Octavian Copper Top Bird House, along with 5′ vinyl bird house posts that carry a 20 year warranty. The bird houses and posts are all made in the U.S.A, and fully functional. The bird houses are octagonal in shape with solid copper cone tops, brass finials, and hand painted with non-toxic paint. To educate and excite the children of the school further, Yard Envy also donated a unique brass four season sundial with the inscription, “For Every Time There Is A Season, A Time To Plant, A Time To Harvest” and a base to keep garden sundials level and off the ground.
The school makeover was completed and ready for the May 22, 2010 grand opening with the help of parents, local businesses, and sponsors. Thanks to the SPES Dads Club and their success in the courtyard undertaking, children and teachers can now enjoy a beautiful outdoor environment that will be used for picnics, Earth Day projects, outdoor learning, student art displays, research and more. Shiloh Point Elementary School has more to look forward to from the Dads Club as well, including a gazebo and walking path to Piney Grove Middle School, which is next door to the elementary school.
During a time when many schools in the nation are fighting to get parents involved, the dads at Shiloh Point Elementary School have really stepped up as a leader in school involvement, taking active roles in their children’s school and education. A projected $250,000 landscape project was completed for about $25,000, all of which was raised by the dads and students, and the rest was covered in donations from local Atlanta businesses and volunteers. Kids can stand proud at Shiloh Point, pointing to the courtyard where they watched their dads work, and even had the chance to help themselves.
Visit www.spesdadsclub.org to view images of the Shiloh Point Elementary Extreme Makeover from conception through completion, and to view a list of businesses who helped with donations. The courtyard project was a success in more ways than just aesthetics, and all the families and businesses in the community that helped are to thank.
Find available resources including tips on garden projects, attracting birds, positioning a sundial and more at www.YardEnvy.com.
