Agency: Vernon (K-7)

Description: Vernon is K-7 school in NE Portland with little in the way of landscaping. As part of Earth Day, Hands On is working with the school to create several greenspaces around the school grounds. These greenspaces will give the students the opportunity to learn about the environment and will also provide outdoor classrooms in which to teach science. The spaces will feature native plants, as well as edibles/vegetables.

As a way of bringing the community and school together, one of the outdoor learning spaces will be open for neighbors to enjoy.

Other projects at the school include:

Painting the interior of the school, including bathrooms, common areas and sections of classrooms. The school has not been painted since 1991! A mural will be painted in the cafeteria.

Volunteers will also paint the exterior doors and portable classrooms. General landscaping will include planting trees, shrubs and flowers, pruning, weeding and spreading barkdust.

There is something for everyone at this amazing Earth Day event. Kids of all ages are welcome, though you must be over age 14 to participate in the painting. Lunch, refreshments and t-shirts will be provided to all volunteers.


IMPORTANT: All volunteers participating in this project must sign a school district waiver. Volunteers under age 18 must bring a waiver signed by a parent or guardian. The waiver can be downloaded and printed here: http://www.handsonportland.org/AboutUs/index.php/Volunteer_Waiver_PPSD.pdf

Impact Areas: Renovation, Revitalization and Repair: School Revitalizing, Children & Youth

Interests: The interests recommended for this project are:
Community Enrichment, Environment, Children & Youth, Education

Skills: The skills helpful for participation in this project are:
Construction & Home Repair, Painting, Heavy Lifting, Yard Work & Gardening