NE W E D U C AT I ON A L F O U N DATIO N RAISES F U N DS TO
RENO VATE C O U RT YA R D TH AT WILL P RO VIDE AN O UTDOOR
SPA C E F OR S T U DE N T S , TEACHERS
In line with the Keystone Oaks School District’s efforts to redesign
classrooms and spaces such as the high school library, the
Keystone Oaks Foundation for Educational Excellence (KOFEE)
raised more than $4,000 this spring to begin its first project: the
revitalization of an outdoor courtyard.
“We wanted to support a project that could benefit a large
portion of the student population and give them a space that they
can enjoy and use for a number of different purposes,” said Jeff
Jesensky, KOFEE President.
This spring, students from the National Honor Society, NHS sponsor
Mrs. Deemer, and volunteers from the Foundation spruced up the
courtyard by raking leaves, pulling weeds and relocating plants.
The tables were assembled by members of the Foundation Board of
Directors and Keystone Oaks’ Buildings and Grounds department.
Next school year, the courtyard will be available to classroom
teachers who would like to take advantage of an outdoor space as
well as to students who simply want to get some fresh air while
eating lunch or working on a project.
“We are thankful to the Foundation for their support of this project
and for giving our students a usable outdoor space to get some
sunshine and fresh air during their school day,” said Keystone Oaks
Superintendent Dr. Stropkaj. “This is a tremendous asset and I look
forward to seeing teachers and students taking advantage of the
space next year.”
The KOFEE Board of Directors is seeking additional donations to
purchase Adirondack chairs, white boards, and other items that
will make the space usable as an outdoor classroom and for other
social and recreational uses.
Before
The courtyard has been part of Keystone
Oaks High School since the building was
constructed in 1969. However, it was not
able to be used by students or staff and
only included two small picnic tables.
The space is secure as it is enclosed by
the library, classsrooms and a hallway.
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KEYSTONE OAKS
Officer Bruner and a group of sophomores enjoy a cup of coffee in
the courtyard during the last week of the school year.
The outdoor courtyard project was made possible with
generous financial support from:
$1,000 and above
Jeff Jesensky
Tom LaPorte
Mary Grace Musuneggi $100 - $499
Matthew & Amy Cesario
Lauren Dansey
Jay Pisula
$500 - $999
Jesensky Dental Up to $99
Dan Bruner
Tom Masztak
During
In May, a group of students from the
National Honor Society, along with their
sponsor and volunteers from KOFEE,
cleaned up the space by raking leaves,
pulling weeds and relocating plants.
After
Five commercial-grade picnic tables
were purchased and assembled as a
starting point for making the courtyard a
usable space. Next school year, teachers
will be able to use the space for classes
and the space will be available to
students for lunch, club meetings, and
more! The space will also be accessible
through the high school library.