By: Caitlin Keller – Pre K Teacher
Ellicottville Elementary’s Pre-K program has received a rather exciting addition this
winter. Through a donation made by the Bob McCarthy Foundation the program has
been able to purchase full class sets of snow pants that are to be housed in each
classroom. This new addition has enabled pre-K classes to continue outdoor learning
and play through Ellicottville’s coldest months.
Learning during the winter months can prove especially challenging when outdoor
access is limited. The benefits to outdoor play are endless. Playing outdoors invites
children to explore science and nature, it creates new opportunities for social
interaction and collaboration, promotes physical health and better sleep, gives
young children a chance to take appropriate risks, and has been proven to lead to
better learning outcomes when children return to other academic activities.
Having access to daily outdoor activities has been exceptionally exciting to the young
members of Mrs. Schwartz and Mrs. Keller’s classes and they are all most
appreciative of how this generous donation has enhanced their winter routines.
The Bob McCarthy Foundation, a 501c3 charitable foundation, is dedicated to help
level the playing field for many in our community. Since 2006 the Foundation’s
support for programs at ECS and many others has been made possible through
generous donations from our local community.