School to build a state-of-the art Nature & Environmental Learning Center
Preschool students on the Main Line at St. David’s Episcopal Day School (SDEDS) will now have the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature-based learning activities, thanks to the outpouring of support from over 200 parents, church members and school staff. On Saturday, March 2nd SDEDS held its first ever Silent Auction and Gala to raise funds for expanding school programming, including a state-of-art Nature and Environmental Learning Center equipped with sensory gardens, a “mud” kitchen, and raised edible garden beds.
“I am appreciative and honored to be a part of a such an amazing community who supports the joy and wonder of early childhood,” says Dr. Marissa Kiepert Truong, head of school, at SDEDS. “Thanks to the generous donations from our families and parishioners, our students will reap the developmental benefits of learning through natural objects in an authentic, play-based environment.”
In collaboration with church member and SDEDS nature teacher, Libby Hipp, the school has developed a plan for the center to be completed in time for the start of the 2019-2020 school year.
Attendees at the event bid on donations from local businesses and bigger ticket items such as an Eagles football game and weeklong vacation in St. Croix. SDEDS teachers and students collaborated to donate handmade items for sale and auction.
“The fundraising committee made up of parent volunteers, school staff, and church members came together to make this event a success,” adds Dr. Kiepert Truong. “The impact that this event will have on our school’s history and on the lives of our students for many years to come is astounding. We are truly blessed.”
The new Nature and Environmental Learning Center will help support the school’s mission to nurture the development of the whole child through hands-on experiences. Additional funds raised from the event will be utilized to purchase interactive SMARTBoard technology and iPads as well as a STEM manipulatives that provide a multisensory experience and engage students in critical thinking skills.
About St. David’s Episcopal Day School
Saint David’s Episcopal Day School, a member of the National Association of Episcopal Schools, is a private Day School affiliated with St. David’s Episcopal Church located on the Main Line in Wayne. SDEDS offers educational, enrichment, and extended day programs for children ages 18 months through age 6. For the 2019-2020 school year, SDEDS is pleased to announce the addition of an AM program for Kindergartners.
St. David’s Episcopal Day School prides themselves on small class sizes, teacher excellence, strong communication with families, character development, and high educational standards to provide students with a strong foundation to become lifelong learners and future leaders. For more information or to apply to the Day School, visit www.sdeds.org.
