Walking through the hallways of C.W. Henry. visitors to this vibrant K-8 Philadelphia public school see evidence of a community that goes above and beyond to create an engaging space for student learning. Artwork lines the hallways. Melodies flow from both the music room and the gymnasium. Students can be found typing away on Chromebooks, sprawled around rooms reading, Skyping with experts within their units of study or working with the farmer educator in the organic garden. 

But little of this vibrancy is reflected in the broken asphalt of the lower schoolyard.

Henry parents and staff want to remedy this by creating an outdoor play and learning environment that serves the 500-member student body as well as the many neighborhood families who use the space after school hours. To this end, we’ve set up a crowdfunding campaign, through Dec. 3, at www.crowdrise.com/c-w-henry-playground-project1. Donations to this campaign will demonstrate the community’s grassroots support as the PTA applies for grants and other opportunities for funding. The PTA is also seeking donors of matching funds, to help motivate additional contributors. 

The working plan, greenlighted by the School District, includes goals to increase safety, add play structures to serve the full student body, and beautify and green the schoolyard with permeable surfacing. Information, updates, and other ways to help can be found on the PTA website: www.cwhenrypta.org/schoolyard-project.