COAL TOWNSHIP - Students, parents, teachers and other volunteers will be at Lourdes Regional School from 9 a.m. to noon and 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday as part of the "Raider Beautification Project" sponsored by the Lourdes Grant Subcommittee.
"We wanted to get families motivated to start a new school year and create learning opportunities for kids as they prepare for school," said Sherry Romanoski, chairperson of the grant committee and parent of a student.
The project, supported through grant and fund sources, monetary and in-kind donations, will focus on making the Lourdes campus beautiful and an appealing learning environment that will include the addition of a Children's Raised Garden Area.
Romanoski said the project came as a response to parent and student feedback. The school issued a questionnaire before school let out for the summer and most of the projects the volunteers will be working on came from what parents and students said they wanted to see.
"This is a way to tell them that we are listening and show that they are a part of this school," said Romanoski.
The project includes new landscaping with expertise, time and resources from Dave Lynn Nursery, of Paxinos; a children's garden; a new Lourdes sign donated by the class of 2011; new Lourdes welcome mats at the entrance; a new logo for the exterior wall, and newly painted structures.
Funding for the project includes funds from a school source, donations from the class of 2011 and other funds for school improvements, as well as anticipated funds from several small grants applied for by the school.
Romanoski also said the school plans to have mural contests and seek additional funding for science and "green" projects.
"This project is just part of a larger concept that we plan to continue through additional funding through grants and donations," said Romanoski. "We plan on future activities that will only enhance what our great volunteers start this week."
All ages are welcome to attend the family volunteer days. Any amount of time will be appreciated. Refreshments will be provided. RSVP is not necessary, but if possible, it can be done by calling 644-0375 or e-mailing slkgage@ptd.net.