Bird Houses for Habitat Houses
“Candy Land Dreams,” “To Infinity & Beyond,” “Rumble in the Jungle,” – plus ten other custom-themed birdhouses are being auctioned off to raise money for Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley. Students at Brush Creek Elementary School (BCES) designed and built the birdhouses, while learning about helping others and giving back. Online bidding is open from February 5 at 9:00 a.m. through February 12 at 8:00 p.m. at: bit.ly/birdhouse-auction. The students’ goal is to raise $1,000.
Students Taking Action to Make a Positive Difference
In December, Mrs. Dodds’ & Mrs. Emmer’s multiage and first grade classes from BCES visited the Habitat for Humanity worksite in Gypsum, Colorado to gain a better understanding of the organization and their needs. While at the site, students took a tour of a Habitat home, learned more about the tools used by the construction team and even got to help staple house wrap and hammer nails into a stump. Most importantly, the students learned about volunteering and met seven AmeriCorps NCCC volunteers who came from across the country to work on the Habitat jobsite for six weeks.
Connecting the Classroom & Community
Back in the classroom, the students took what they learned from the Habitat jobsite plus were taught about architecture, habitats, building and native Colorado birds. Students worked in teams of three or four to design blueprints, build prototypes and eventually build homes for Colorado birds. In total, thirteen birdhouses were built, designed and decorated using whimsical themes.
Online Giving
All thirteen birdhouses are being auctioned off online with all proceeds benefiting Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley. Bidding starts at $20 and the students have set a goal to raise $1,000. Bidding is open from February 5 at 9:00 a.m. through February 12 at 8:00 p.m. at: bit.ly/birdhouse-auction.
Special Thanks
The learning experience has taken everyone involved full circle and taught the importance of helping others and giving back. The project would not have been possible without: Mrs. Theelke (STEM teacher), Mrs. Ronzio (Art teacher), Mrs. Cole (Principal), Kristen Olsen, parent volunteers and Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley.
