The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod has donated $2,500 to the Falmouth Outdoor Learning Project, a community volunteer organization established to ease stress on teachers and students by creating outdoor learning spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The project’s goal is to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission to students, teachers, staff and the Falmouth community by creating outdoor learning spaces at each of the seven public schools in Falmouth. The outdoor spaces are designed to provide fresh-air, hands-on learning opportunities and increased access to nature.
“The pandemic has affected the mental health of children and families on Cape Cod, and outdoor and mask-free learning can help the students achieve some sense of normalcy,” said Lisa Oliver, chair, president and CEO of The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod. “We are proud to support this community effort to create and sustain safe learning environments for our children during the COVID-19 public health crisis.”
The Falmouth Outdoor Learning Project is currently raising funds to purchase 15 20-by-30-foot tents that can be used at all seven schools. The total cost for the tents, which can withstand New England weather conditions, is approximately $117,000 and the organization plans to install them in mid- to late-March.
The bank’s donation will be used to purchase outdoor supplies for students in pre-K through sixth grade.
“We are so grateful to The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod for their donation to the Falmouth Outdoor Learning Project,” said Amy Leonardi, lead parent of the Falmouth Outdoor Learning Project. “Their $2,500 donation helped us purchase supplies for our public schools including picnic tables for Lawrence School and individual recess supplies for our elementary and middle school students. Their dedication to our community and especially our youth is unparalleled. You can always count on The Coop!”
Donations can be made through the Falmouth Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS) website at www.falmouthvips.org or by contacting Tracey Crago at tcrago@falmouth.k12.ma.us.
