What are we funding?

2010 Foundation Auction -- Play and Learn

Proceeds from the 2010 auction will go toward a variety of potential needs at the new school, which may include upgraded playground equipment, technology equipment for the classrooms, support of the CSES Technology Program, upgrades to the athletic fields, and landscaping and plants for the habitat garden.

2009 Foundation Auction -- Science Equipment

The 2009 auction was a huge success, and we raised over $40,000 for new science equipment for the school. Principal Palmisano and the CSES teachers will be selecting the equipment that will arrive in time for the opening of the new school in 2010. Thanks to all of the families, businesses and members of the community for all of your support in making our auction such a success.

Annual Technology Program

The Foundation raises money annually to support the CSES Technology Program, which includes specialized computer instruction for the children, before- and after-school workshops, and curriculum development and training for the teachers. The Technology Program is an important part of CSES, and we are reminded of that fact regularly by Principal Palmisano, the teachers, and the kids.

Renovation Funding

Through several years of open planning meetings with volunteers, parents, MCPS, community members, and faculty at Carderock, a wish list of ideas and project enhancements was developed for consideration in the new school. Many of the items on the original list -- including a science room, smart boards, wireless internet, telephones in classrooms, a covered canopy from the bus loop to the school entrance, student storage cubbies and lockers, upgrades to the multi-purpose room, and an upgraded front stair to the school -- were accomplished through the Foundation's interactions with MCPS, its architect and construction subcontractor team, at no cost to the Foundation, a savings of over $500,000 to our community by several estimates.

Please note that MCPS must review and approve renovation requests to ensure that contributions from the Foundation will not provide CSES students with a competitive advantage over children at other MCPS schools. After additional briefings with MCPS representatives and the Board of Education, several other items that the Foundation was seeking for the new school were approved, including:

Habitat Garden
The new habitat garden will feature seating as part of a retaining wall that can accommodate at least one classroom. Teachers will be able to use this space as an outdoor classroom to learn about plants and other science-related topics.

Amphitheater
With the fairly steep slope behind the school, an amphitheater was a natural fit and a long-standing request from parents, teachers, and the community. The standard amphitheater that the school system provides consists of railroad ties and mulch. The Foundation will pay for a long-lasting amphitheater made out of concrete, with alternating Carderock stone risers. A sun study indicates that by early spring the amphitheater will get plenty of sun to keep it dry and attractive for teachers and students to use. The seating capacity should be quite large and will likely be able to seat 2 full grades. This is a solution to the grading of the hill and a resource for the entire community.

Multipurpose Room Upgrade
The Foundation is providing an upgraded sound system for the multipurpose room, including a jack for a high-definition projector to be purchased later that can be integrated into the school computer system.

Electronic Bulletin Boards
The Foundation will purchase two LCD screens -- one for the entryway upstairs and one downstairs. Students can help design slides to run on the screens, which will be integrated into the school's computer system. The builders are wiring the locations for the two screens, but the Foundation is purchasing the screens separately to save on markup costs.

Basketball Backboards
Two glass rectangular backboards will be installed at the ends of the gym, replacing the smaller, fan-shaped aluminum backboards that would be installed as part of the standard  MCPS design.

Upgraded Carderock School Sign
The upgraded school sign will be precast  and faced in Carderock stone and will be viewable approaching the school from either direction. 

Terrazzo Tile Lobby Flooring
Terrazzo tile flooring in the main level lobby area, as well as adding aesthetically to the school entrance, will add durability in a high-traffic area and will reduce long-term maintenance and replacement costs, freeing up future CSES school funds for educational purposes.

Stone Base Around Front Columns of School
The architect, Beery Rio, has designed columns outside the front of the school with Carderock stone bases.

These initial upgrades will cost approximately $180,000. Through several years of donations, auctions and amazing support from the CSES community, the Foundation has raised enough funds to pay for these upgrades, at least as currently budgeted by MCPS.

However, we realize that there will be a tremendous need for additional upgrades and items to be purchased after the new school is completed, and funds will need to be raised for these as well.

Some of these additional potential projects include:

Note that these are just some of the ideas that are up for consideration, pending funding and approval.

All ideas are welcome.