Student Letter Leads to $110,000 Grant from Lowe’s

The Learning Community – September 26, 2008

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Fifth grade students at The Learning Community, a public charter school in Central Falls, today shared the story of how one student’s letter inspired a $110,000 grant from Lowe’s and a new school playground. A crowd of more than 100 faculty, parents and community leaders were on hand to hear how speaking up can lead to real change. Joining in the celebration was Mike Brown, executive vice president at Lowe’s, who flew from North Carolina to celebrate with the student who wrote the letter.

“This playground is a perfect example of our mission in action,” said Meg O’Leary, Co‐Director of The Learning Community. “We believe that literacy is a tool for change. Students should learn that using your voice, listening and working on behalf of others are important individual responsibilities. Because our strong literacy curriculum encourages students to speak up, and because Lowe’s listened, the playground is powerful proof for our students that their voices can make a difference.”

Three years ago, a group of Learning Community second graders approached the school’s administration with a suggestion — they wanted a better place for recess than an asphalt parking lot. The group formed the Playground Planning Committee and began brainstorming ideas, talking to their peers, and sketching their ideas for a great playground.

Two years later, as part of a fourth grade writing assignment, teachers asked their students to write a letter about something in the world they wanted to change and send it to someone they thought could help. Fourth grader Bernardo Garcia wrote a persuasive letter to Brown at Lowe’s headquarters requesting turf to cover the parking lot so he and his peers could play safely. “One reason why I think we need turf is that in the middle of a soccer game somebody gets hurt and they have to go to our nurse who cares about us,” wrote Bernardo. “Nurse Liz can’t take this much chaos! in her office.”

“Bernardo’s message was so sincere and moving, I knew we had to do much more than donate sod,” said Brown. “After reviewing the situation further, Lowe’s and I wanted to make sure these students had an engaging, safe playground to help build a stronger foundation for the children who will be tomorrow’s employees, homeowners and community leaders.”

Bernardo’s letter reached Brown just three days before the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation’s grant deadline. Brown jumped into action and got the Lowe’s community relations team involved. They spoke directly to Bernardo and his teacher and encouraged the school to apply. The application and Bernardo’s letter inspired the Foundation’s board to grant $110,000 to The Learning Community.

The Lowe’s team quickly called The Learning Community to report the good news, and asked to speak directly to Bernardo. Upon hearing about the grant during the first conference call of his career, Bernardo exclaimed, “Thanks for the money and stuff!”

During the spring of 2008 students, staff, teachers and board members worked with artist and designer Laurencia Strauss to plan a playground worthy of the voices of The Learning Community’s students. Part playground, part park, the playground contrasts fast and quiet, rubber and grass, and traditional climbing equipment and natural environments. The design provides ample opportunities for students to stretch their bodies and imaginations. Strauss led teams of parent, community and Lowe’s volunteers to build this special learning landscape over the summer.

Today’s celebration included student‐led tours of the playground and remarks from Bernardo and other students, Mike Brown of Lowe’s and Learning Community staff and board members.

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