The Southside Elementary courtyard is the heartbeat of our school. It’s a place for students to gather, for parents to watch special performances, and for classes to enjoy as they walk to recess, art, or music. With its grand old live oak, original schoolbell, and American flags waving, the courtyard feels like a bit of history and a breath of fresh air in a child’s busy day.
However, the courtyard is in desperate need of renovation. There are several unhealthy trees and plants in the space. Others that were planted too close to the buildings are now impacting structures and utilities. The Mediterranean Revival architecture of the school is not being celebrated. All other outdoor spaces at Southside—the Eco Garden, the Certified Wildlife Habitat in front of the school, and the playground—have been recently updated to become engaging learning destinations. The courtyard has not.
The Southside PTO is excited to introduce the concept for The Southside Learning Courtyard. This plan, designed and donated by award-winning landscape architect and Southside parent Michael Gilkey, will consider the longevity and health of our courtyard, while creating opportunities for students to interact within the garden. Featured spaces will include a Pollination Garden, a Bird Garden, an Art and Music Garden, and a Giant Chessboard. The historic grand live oak and schoolbell will be preserved and celebrated.
Help us make the Southside Learning Courtyard a reality! Michael A. Gilkey, Inc. has worked with their colleagues to offer a huge discount on the materials, labor and installation for this project. We have several opportunities for our families to get involved and raise the remaining funds needed to watch this idea bloom!
However, the courtyard is in desperate need of renovation. There are several unhealthy trees and plants in the space. Others that were planted too close to the buildings are now impacting structures and utilities. The Mediterranean Revival architecture of the school is not being celebrated. All other outdoor spaces at Southside—the Eco Garden, the Certified Wildlife Habitat in front of the school, and the playground—have been recently updated to become engaging learning destinations. The courtyard has not.
The Southside PTO is excited to introduce the concept for The Southside Learning Courtyard. This plan, designed and donated by award-winning landscape architect and Southside parent Michael Gilkey, will consider the longevity and health of our courtyard, while creating opportunities for students to interact within the garden. Featured spaces will include a Pollination Garden, a Bird Garden, an Art and Music Garden, and a Giant Chessboard. The historic grand live oak and schoolbell will be preserved and celebrated.
Help us make the Southside Learning Courtyard a reality! Michael A. Gilkey, Inc. has worked with their colleagues to offer a huge discount on the materials, labor and installation for this project. We have several opportunities for our families to get involved and raise the remaining funds needed to watch this idea bloom!
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There are a variety of ways your family can help bring this wonderful project to life! We have 6 ways your family can financially contribute at a variety of price levels. We will also be requesting assistance from Southside families in January to help us plant this beautiful courtyard. If you would like to help plant please fill out the contact form below and we will contact you soon.
1. Historic Grand Live Oak $1000 (1 SOLD) 2. Pollination Garden $1000 (1 SOLD) 3. Bird Garden $1000 (1 SOLD) 4. Art & Music Garden $1000 (1 SOLD) 5. (32) Chessboard Engraved Stone $525 6. Rhapsody Chimes 4 x $1000 (one plaque with 4 family names) 7. Personalized Leaf on our Fundraising Tree $25 (handprint banner will be on display from January until the end of the school year) Chessboard will hold up to 2 family names per stone |
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