Queen Elizabeth Public School

Here are some pictures from the build day...yesterday! AWESOME, FANTASTIC, EMOTIONAL!

Well, actually the prep and build are starting today! SO much work has been done! It is so amazing to see everything fall into place! AWESOME!

This is the rock that our dedication plaque will be on. It is exciting to see it going in the ground.....because it means this time next year.....kids will have a playground!

on my project page my pictures are huge, I would like to add more.....how do I get them down to a normal size?

We are finally going to build! WOOOHOOO! Any great words of wisdom for us?

Thanks!

We are planning to build this spring! HOW EXCITING!

Please mark this date on your calendar! It is going to be a great event! Dec 19 11-3pm. SEE YOU THERE!

If you are interested in Ricardo's gift cards, please contact a Queen Elizabeth Student or send a message here. $5, 10, 15, 20, and we get to keep 50% of the sales!

Come check us out! We will have a table in the mall this Thursday (25th) for a craft/bake sale! All proceeds to the playground fund. We will be located close to the Dollar Store. See you there!

Looking for Christmas gifts, stocking stuffers etc? We are selling Ricardo's gift cards $5, $10, $15, $20 amounts.....we get to keep 50% of the sales. Please email queeneplayground@yahoo.ca

Next Thursday we are having a table in the Station Mall selling crafts and baking. If you are able to help out by donating a craft or baking please contact queeneplayground@yahoo.ca

Thanks for all the support for the sale! We made approximately $600 at the MOM2MOM sale! Please read the next posts to learn about our upcoming fundraisers!

Come shopping for great deals on baby---teen stuff this Saturday 13th from 9-12pm at the school! THANKS

We made $300 at Wacky Wings, plus $32.50 in donations! We are getting closer! The next fundraiser we have planned is the MOM2MOM sale on November 13th from 9am-12pm. Great place to buy/sell maternity, baby, kids, teen stuff! Also there will be Christmas items to buy and coffee and muffins! HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

MOM2MOM sale November 13. 2010 great place to sell maternity, baby, kid and teen stuff! 9-12pm! Profit from table rental fee to go to the playground!

WING NIGHT WACKY WINGS GREAT NORTHERN 4-9pm a portion of proceeds will be donated to the playground fund.

We are having a Wing Night at Wacky Wings on October 26th from 4 to 9pm. Come join us and spread the word! AND most of all thanks for all the ongoing support!

Hello everyone! School is back in and we are back at it. Infact we were busy this summer too! We are about $20,000 away from our goal! There are many ways you can help us!

Hi Guys! Just checking in to see how things are going and what you've been up to. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help.

Come out for dinner on Monday night...we will be there helping to serve and clean up, and Boston Pizza will donate a portion of the bill to our playground fund (not including alcohol or taxes). We will be there from 5-9pm. HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Hi everyone! Another donation from a local union...$500!

We have received a $500 donation.... I will have to get the correct name and will post it!

May 29th Sell your maternity, baby, kid and teen stuff! $30 a table --includes a coffee and muffin! Table rental goes to playground fund and you keep your profits!

May 29, 2010 9-1pm Great place to sell your maternity, baby, kids, and teen clothes, games and toys. Tables will be rented for $30 (that includes a coffee and muffin) Table renters keep their profits! Come help support the future MCpl Scott Vernelli Playground!

Hi everyone! Welcome to our project page and thanks for the support! Please share with us why you joined and why the project is important to you! Also...please feel free to update your profile to include info and a profile picture! Thanks

I am so excited to see all the new members (before the Fashion Show there were 13 members!) I would love it if people updated their profiles and posted pictures etc. Tell us if you would like to volunteer, donate, share ideas! All welcome!

Guidelines *community engagement/project partners *project choice---something that is easy to maintain and that the community will maintain *site readiness *material selection *energy use (volunteers) *volunteer materials (food and drink. and they are safe) *waste reduction *educational features greenservicesprojects.org CHECK OUT THIS SITE check out the case study continue at slide 18.1

Name of group...please join! VOTE FOR QUEEN ELIZABETH/ MCPL SCOTT VERNELLI PLAYGROUND

Link: http://www.soonews.ca/viewarticle.php?id=24949

Please check out this link...and please give input on the ideas that appeal to you! Provide input on the ideas that you think our students would like to do: http://kaboom.org/service_learning okay here is my input: 1by1 murals---I like this idea as a possible thank you with our students hand prints. I have a picture of this in my favourites. Appreciation and Refluection---I love this idea...and would love to see our students making Thank You cards! Big Buddies---this idea is in a way already in use in my daughters class with reading buddies. Community Clean-Up---I really like this idea and would definitely be willing to volunteer to organize this!! Community Gardens--- Conducting an Interview---geared to slightly older students Cooking Club---we don't really have access to a kitchen area for the students It starts with a playground....---I like this idea and wonder if it could be tied into a design day activity? Monarch Madness---this would be awesome if we decide to do a butterfly garden as a side project. Mural Painting---we have to complete or repaint the mural The Caring Being- someone could do this activity during Pink Shirt day? Tools, Materials and Logistics-this one would be great to show how much is involved in planning this! What can you do with....---I like this idea too...can be another Earth Day project. You are what you eat--I like this one too! PLEASE SHARE YOUR FAVOURITES!!!

Coordinate 1. Recruit build day volunteers and team leaders! 2. Create contingency plan for emergency and bad weather (done!) 3. Map out build site and build day timetable and build matrix! 4. Create maintaince plan with landowner 5. Level site and remove old equipment *****what can be removed this spring????****** Look for Sample build day captain assignments! time 526 example of build day map Recruit volunteers. EMAILS FLYERS CONTACT VOLUNTEER GROUPS--kiwanis, rotary, army, navy base Confirm T shirt orders Create volunteer waiver form Create an on site registration plan Contingency plan *first aid kit *laminate directions *bring trash bags for ponchos *sunscreen *water at least THREE BOTTLES PER PESON *prioritize projects *keep kids off site *cover holes on prep days Create a maintaince plan 1.Playground Upkeep 2.Surfacing 3.General Hazards 4.Detriotation of equipment 5.Security of hardware 6.Equipment use zones REMOVE OLD EQUIPMENT!!!! Level area 1-2% grade only Complete soil tests Set up Utility Check---gas, electricty etc LIST OF POTENTIAL IN KIND DONATIONS! look at time on video:16:30 Keep fundraising!!!

I am sure that you are curious how Kaboom started. Please read the attached link. It started in August 1995 when Darell Hammond read a sad news story. http://kaboom.org/about_kaboom/our_story

Presenter--Mara Kaplan-let kids play pie chart of different accessibility issues. 10% have orthopedic disabilities...means 90% of children with disabilites do NOT use wheelchairs Some stats; 1 in 91 children are on the autism spectrum (autism/ppd-nos) 3 in 100 have developmental delays 1 in 10 people of a communication disorder 1 in 800 children have Down Syndrome Sensory Processing Disorder--good examples on the webinar! (around 8 minutes in) www.sensory-processing-disorder.com THE PROBLEM WITH RAMPS 1. They lack play value 2.Expensive 3.Increases playground surfaces---increasing surfacing costs. Around 13:30 in the video...a clip of children with disabilites playing...AWESOME!!! (if you watch...you might get choked up...it is cute) Continue at 15:40.

Know what you are asking for? money, food, in kind donations, tools, safety stuff, landscaping materials, time, etc. Brainstorm want you need. Know who to ask? Sponsorship levels...please check out slide number 12 (can it be printed?) Another great idea....is approach businesses with BUY A PIECE OF PLAYGROUND. Creating prelimary sponsorship materials....there include: 1. Cover letter ---what your project is about, goals of project, pictures of current playspace 2.Budget 3. Timeline 4.Playground design After asking for a donation.....always send a thank you.....even though you may receive no donation... Keep donors up to date on your progress. Check out the GET FUNDING TAB.

Read this article for some ideas and please add suggestions!

We have to decide on this....I will list some. Prehaps we can price stuff locally first?

What are some of the reasons that you feel people should support our build? I have a list in the Discussion about the Webinar One. Share some reasons you feel it is important?

It is located under Files. Just click on the link! Thanks to MoniqueK! for working on it!

Some of the benefits of a community build are: *if the families and students are involved in the build they will take pride in the playground and take care of it. *saves instillation costs (which is about 30% of the budget!!!!) *builds relationships between all the builders! What are some of the reasons you can think of?

Did anybody see the Twister game painted on the asphalt? That's another awesome idea!

What's up with the mural? What needs to be done to it?

This playground box unit, is Fantastic! If you have a change look it up. "Imagination Playground"

isn't this a cool hopscotch pattern? http://connect.kaboom.org/_Sidewalk-Games/photo/4538203/14937.html

We recently received $400 from the local firefighters!! And yesterday received a $500 during Walmarts grand opening! WOOOHOOO!

"Imagination Playground is designed to prompt creativity and sensory exploration with a manipluable environment and "Loose Parts" a changing array of elements that allow children to turn their playground into a space constantly built and rebuilt by their imagination" See Rockwell Group http://www.imaginationplayground.org/photos/index.html Really neat! These imagination playgrounds would be awesome inside during the cold cold cold winter too! They can be stored and must be packed up. Check out the site! The children in the pilot project liked their traditional playground...but definitely liked the imagination playground!

Formed in 1996 and head office is in Washington. Community build model---involve the community in the build, and they will be proud to keep it up! 20-30 parents and 20-30 kids to build Where does KaBoom build? 220 playgrounds in North America depends on funding partners How does KaBoom find the playgrounds to build? KaBoom database Previous applications kaboom.org project planner internet research What is the typical application process? 1.Playspace profile questionnaire 2.Secondary questions 3.Draft letter of agreement review 4.Selection Generally takes 3-8 weeks to complete. There are alot of applications, you must work hard to make yours stand out. *****mentions not to fax or post mail application***** NEED TO CLARIFY this. I have read elsewhere that applications must be mailed. have a place for 250 people during bad weather.... Responsibilities $10,000 fundraising 2500 square feet of space prepare site for build in kind donations---lunch, breakfast, restrooms, dumpsters, things to move mulch etc 70-90 build day volunteers 10-15 planning committee volunteers ownership and maintainence IF you are selected? 1.Sign letter of agreement 2.Design Day 3. Weekly Planning Calls 4. Financial contribution (due 30 days before build) 5.Two Prep days 6.Build days Build day is RAIN OR SHINE End with a Ribbon Cutting WHAT IF YOU ARE NOT SELECTED? don't quit webinars tonnes of resources

Media Create materials that *promote your event *advocate your position *provide more information ADVERTISE FOR VOLUNTEERS IN THE COMMUNITY Summit a press release before your design day Accelerate Youth Involvement Download---the Top ten ways to involve children in planning! Session plans!

Here is a GREAT resource!!!! http://kaboom.org/build_playspace/toolkit/road_map/road_map_resources

Sample Design Day agenda 15minutes to sign in 15minutes intro to playspace ideas 45 minutes playspace games and drawing dream playspace 15 minutes discuss safety and supervision 30 minutes discuss how to get involved and fundraising status report 15 minutes overview of equipment ***design Dream Playground Paper for the kids to use Prehaps a small climber for kindergarten and a larger one for the other grades. ****Questions to ask Vendor****** 7minutes into video Understanding media....(design day, fundraisers, and ribbon cutting). Craft your media material Approach the Right people continue from 11:15

Due to the snowy weather....we will do our soil tests in the spring!!!!

We have been meeting regularly for one year!

Third mile: Organize The build is an opportunity to build new friendships, discover hidden talents in yourself and ours, instill lasting volunteer spirit and empower community leaders. Mile three--6-8 months before build--typically 1. Hold your first playspace meeting agenda 2. Get fundraising team Research Grants Plan special events Include kids!! 3. Write your grant proposal *executive summary (one page) *statement of need (the way of the project) 1-2 pages *project description *budget *conclusion Recruiting volunteers! Plan special events! publicity and fun and recruitment of volunteers *

We have been doing a lot of fundraising and have great plans for future fundraisers. We are also applying for the KaBoom grant! We are very excited about this grant, as it will definitely make our dream a reality! Past fundraisers: garage sale, BBQ, selling bulbs (both spring and fall), selling scented pencils, tip the teacher night at Boston Pizza, craft/bake sale, etc Future possible fundraisers: wrapping Christmas presents, a mom2mom sale, pasta dinner and fashion show, etc.

Jennifer -co chair Lisa-co chair Irene- treasurer Natasha Marnie Monique Tara and our principal And we have more parents interested!!!!!

Okay so I am going to brainstorm a list...please add on! *our parents *students *staff/teachers *contact firefighters, *contact department store to help out *the local football team. *our local troops *our library (they can come read and do crafts possibly with younger children)

Check out the various vendors....any feedback?

Here are some vendor for surfacing in Ontario. http://kaboom.org/vendor/abc_recreation_ltd http://kaboom.org/vendor/andrew_henderson http://kaboom.org/vendor/createaplayground http://kaboom.org/vendor/david_parker http://kaboom.org/vendor/henderson_recreation_equipment_limited http://kaboom.org/vendor/sofsurfaces_inc

Right now....the most important sections of the toolkit, to me are the recruiting volunteers section and the fundraising section. All the aspects of the playground are very important but without volunteers and fundraising we would not have a playground. There is alot of great info..check it out! http://kaboom.org/build_playspace/toolkit/volunteer_recruitment http://kaboom.org/build_playspace/toolkit/fundraising

I have just finished listening to webinar two and would love to hear others ideas on a Vision Statement and Mission Statement for our playground? Any input?

1. Choose a size and access of playground and current surface. 2. Previous use of land...test for lead and arsenic 3. Location of existing equipment....worth keeping? 4. Neccessary site preparation (sand, rubber etc) 5. Choosing equipment and surfacing vendor Visit Kaboom vendor rating 6. Choose safety surfacing ....shredded rubber, engineered wood fiber, pour in place rubber, pea gravel and sand (sand depth of 12 inches) 7. Estimate project budget 8. Create a Fundraising strategy

Public Relations Team Captain 1-2 hours a week Roles: Create all posters,flyers, and public service announcements asking for support, volunteers and resources. Help publicize meetings and fundraising events make sure all sponsors are recognized in programs, banners and media give project updates to local television stations, newspapers, radio stations and other media Organize photo *ops* and generate story ideas Organize ribbon cutting ceremony Safety team captain 1 hour per week Design a safety curriculum for children using playspace create and implement safety plan for build day secure a first aid provider for build day create a playspace maintenance plan/ safety inspection schedule establish evacuation plan for build day Volunteer Recruitment Team Captain 1-2 hours a week Determine number of volunteers needed for the build Recruit volunteers Organize a volunteer registration and assignment system for build day Recognize volunteers publicly and privately for their contribution to the play space continue from 9:59

continued Food Team Captain 1-2 hours per week roles: Solicit breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks for build day provide snacks and drinks for design day and planning meetings coordinate food delivery and service on build day supervise trash clean up Fundraising Team Captain (most time consuming team leader...could use two) 3-4 hours a week roles: work with co chairs and other team captain to develop a project budget and fundraising strategy solicit larger donations from big businesses and local organizations maintain accounting records of all solicitations, donations and expenses (including in kind) help manage donor acknowledgements Logistics Team Captain 1 hour per week roles: locate and secure community spaces for team meetings and fundraisers establish water and electricity sources on build site arrange for parking space, restrooms, waste cans, tables, chairs, tents, and microphones/speakers to be available near build site coordinate deliveries and storage or playground equipment and surfacing continue from 8:37

Conceive 1. Create a project VISION and MISSION 2. Form a planning committee 3. Choose a playspace site 4. Choosing surfacing and equipment vendors 5. Estimate project budget 6. Create a fundraising strategy Our vision should be broader than our mission. The mission can be more specific. Form your committee 1. Co chairs....3-4 hours a week each they should balance each other out and between the two should: recruit team captains supervise team captains and give feedback keep team captains on track organize and lead meetings make final decisions on contested issues write final reports coordinate recognition of donors and teams Children's Activity Captain 1-2 hours per week roles:: organize childcare meetings work with fundraising captain to involve children in fundraising get children involved in planning process coordinate children's activities on design day organize children's activities on build day recruite youth council/co chairs Construction Team Captain 2-3 hours per week Help identify and organize major pre site tasks such as levelling, removing ashphalt, and filling in holes, Work with playground installer to coordinate digging Solicit for and collect and keep track of tools on build day lead volunteers during build day work with co chairs and safety captain to develop a maintenance plan Stopped webinar at 7:09 will continue...tonnes of great info

We have not confirmed a definite spot on school property to put the playground, although we have two potential locations that have been discussed. Of course, the School Board has the final okay.

What do you say when someone asks why they should support a playground? *play is important to brain development *helps prevent obesity *allows creativity *teaches children to get along *helps them learn to resolve conflict *develop imagination *develop dexerity *develops cognitive and emotions see www.strongmuseum.org for more info Why build in one day? *it is easier to find volunteers for 6-8hours on one day than several days...as well as food, water, and the media. Why have the school community do the build? *saves money (30% is spent on instillation...) *involves parents/teachers and builds strong relationships *builds a sense of pride Playspace design? WOOD or PLASTIC Wood...less expensive, more maintence, and less durable Plastic--weather resist, more expensive, and more durable 5-12years old need opportunities to climb, glide and hanging, and balancing. climbing wall chain bridge overhead bars sand box Please read a success story! Safety first... Old/not maintained equipment can have may hazards...entanglement, head entrapment, impalement,burn hazard, trip or fall hazard, pinch and shear hazards. This should be a reason for maintaining or updating your equipment. Check out Canadian Standards Association.

We are almost ready to move on from 0 to 1 check it out and try to do one of the tasks and then mark off finished!

Once a man was walking along a beach. The sun was shining and it was a beautiful day. Off in the distance he could see a person going back and forth between the surf's edge and and the beach. Back and forth this person went. As the man approached he could see that there were hundreds of starfish stranded on the sand as the result of the natural action of the tide. The man was stuck by the the apparent futility of the task. There were far too many starfish. Many of them were sure to perish. As he approached the person continued the task of picking up starfish one by one and throwing them into the surf. As he came up to the person he said, "You must be crazy. There are thousands of miles of beach covered with starfish. You can't possibly make a difference." The person looked at the man. He then stooped down and pick up one more starfish and threw it back into the ocean. He turned back to the man and said, "It sure made a difference to that one!"

We started on our way in the winter of 2009. We have had some great fundraisers...including a garage sale, bbq's, selling pencils and Harvest Fest bbq. I am very excited to see the students playing on new equipment....and at times the fundraising task does seem daunting. But when it seems too hard to acheive consider this quote: Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. -Margaret Mead You may read this and think: a playground is not going to change the world. It certainly can....research on play can improve children's self esteem, problem solving techniques, build team work, decrease bullying, and increase physical activity. By supporting our students and telling them they are worth it...you are changing the world. Our children our the future.....make it a great one!

We some great fundraiser's this month! *Cheryl and Company located at 131 Bruce Street. She accepts gently used women's clothes and will give us 40% of what is sold. Just drop off your clothes and tell her it is for Queen Elizabeth School! *Boston Pizza- we are selling kids meal cards. They are $5 for 5 kids meals. (Can't beat that price!). They are valid until next November and are good across Canada. They would make great stocking stuffers and teachers gifts. *Boston Pizza- we are having a Tip Night on November 23rd. Parents and staff will be helping to serve and clean up that night and we get a % of what is sold. Consider volunteering that night or dining there that night! *Craft/Bake Sale- November 26th- we are participating in the malls non profit group craft/bake sale. To make this event a success consider donating baking, a craft or working at the table for a hour that day!

Please browse around the site...there are free online courses and tonnes of info. I listened to the Fundraising 101 it had a lot of very useful information.