WESTFIELD-Creating outdoor learning spaces for children has always been a dream project for Joanne Hentnick, principal at the Fort Meadow Early Childhood Center on White Street.
“Our school is unique since all of our classrooms have a side door entrance to one of two playgrounds,” said Hentnick, who begins her eighth year as principal this fall.
Hentnick said in an interview Tuesday morning she anticipates about 175 preschool students, ages 3 to 5, at the beginning of the school year.
“We typically start with a lower number of students in the fall and our numbers increase over the year,” she said, noting the school schedule has two sessions each day, from 9 – 11:30 a.m., and from 12:30 – 3 p.m.
Volunteers are needed to help create engaging learning spaces outside for children at the Fort Meadow Early Childhood Center. (JOANNE HENTNICK PHOTO)
“We did have one teacher and one paraprofessional cut due to the budget, so our eight classrooms will have eight teachers teaching 16 sessions,” said Hentnick.
While Hentnick says her days are packed with large to-do lists, she considers herself a “driven woman” when it comes to special projects like the one she posted recently on the school’s Facebook page.
“Due to COVID-19, one of the state Department of Education’s suggestions has been to utilize outdoor spaces whenever possible,” said Hentnick. “I’ve always wanted to have outdoor learning spaces anyway because there is a lot of research, especially with special needs children, of the benefits of being outdoors.”
Her request for help on Facebook was almost immediate.
“I’m a do-it-yourselfer and was feeling extremely overwhelmed,” said Hentnick, noting in the middle of the night she woke up and decided to check her Facebook post and email.
One of those early responses came from Erik Davidson, founder of the Start ‘Em Early Foundation, based in Southwick.
“Reading that email filled my heart with hope,” she said, adding, “suddenly I was not feeling alone with all of the work that needs to be done to create these learning areas.”
With post after positive post on Facebook, Hentnick said she was “super excited” and “energized” to get the projects built.
The two playgrounds at the Fort Meadow Early Childhood Center will be reimagined this summer – if volunteers from artists to skilled labor – are willing to help. (JOANNE HENTNICK PHOTO)
“I’m looking at purchasing pavilion style kits and will need manpower and womanpower to assemble them,” she said, noting she has had a “gift account” that has accumulated over time.
“I have a limited school budget but we have a really nice gift account,” said Hentnick, noting some of those funds have come from donations when someone has passed away.
This week, Hentnick will be searching for the ideal “kits,” as well as checking on permitting that might be required by the city before the structures can be built. She is hopeful that the site preparations will be completed by the end of July.
“I would like to see the building of the structures at the beginning of August,” she said.
On Hentnick’s post she suggested large tree stumps to be used as seating and noted that the Great Tree Service in Westfield has already signed up to help with that request.
“Jasmine Montanaro of the Vintage Cellar East has also offered to help in any way she can,” said Hentnick, adding, “Jasmine also calls herself a do-it-yourselfer.”
For Davidson, he too is eager for his organization to offer assistance.
“We have offered physical labor support for when materials are ready to be constructed,” said Davidson. “Upon completion, myself, my wife Jo-Ann, and Lori Vaughn of Springfield College will conduct a sensory materials drive to get the students the materials they need to fully utilize their new spaces.”
For anyone in the community who would also like to lend a hand, Hentnick is open to all suggestions, from artists who would enjoy painting the asphalt with games, to those who are familiar with landscape design and skilled laborers who like to build structures.
Hentnick can be reached via email at [email protected] for more information.
“With all of the positive comments I’ve received it has really helped boost me to keep going with the project,” said Hentnick, adding, “those comments have helped to validate that I was heading in the right direction. It’s wonderful to feel supported from the community.”
