Archway to education: Volunteers provide special entrance to PF kindergarten

POST FALLS — It's a brand new day for the oldest schoolhouse in the Post Falls School District, thanks to the efforts of countless community volunteers.

Frederick Post Kindergarten recently received a brand new archway, featuring a sheet metal school bell to give it a classic aesthetic, for the school's entrance. Principal James Shepard said the archway is just one component of an ongoing grassroots, volunteer-based project to beautify the campus.

"The community really put their arms around these little guys and made something special — it's spectacular," Shepard said. "They're coming out of the woodwork for our kids and they're enthusiastic about it."

Prior to the update, Shepard said the school's entrance was just a nondescript door that didn't impart a sense of pride in the students. The driving idea behind constructing a large archway in front of the entrance was to create something that would stand out and make a positive first impression on kids coming to class.

The countless photos parents had their children pose for in front of the archway after it was completed was a tell-tale sign the idea had come to life, Shepard said.

"You'll catch them (students) as they walk through the new entrance and — of course it's fun to see this from a 5-year-old's perspective — they'll just stare at it as they walk underneath," he added. "You can see it in their eyes how much they like it."

None of the improvements would have been possible without individuals and local businesses who donated their time and resources to the project. Shepard told The Press he has been blown away by the sheer number of people wanting to get involved with the project.

"The community wants to be here for the kids and that's what I hear all the time when I talk to volunteers," Shepard said. "That's why I'm here and that's why our teachers are here — it's for the kids."

After the district finishes installing new energy-efficient windows next year, Shepard said, the beautification process will continue. Included in the additional work will be adding more landscaping and new brickwork.

Another focus will be on improving the playground area in the back of the campus.

"We still have more people who want to help us with different things around the building as we progress," Shepard said. "And they're coming to us, which is great."

Post Falls School District Superintendent Jerry Keane told The Press on Wednesday that the beautification effort at Frederick is just one example of the spirit of community volunteerism seen at every school in Post Falls.

"The project was truly a community effort and we are fortunate to live in a community that is willing to volunteer their time and resources to help the district and its students," Keane said. "We are very thankful to all of the folks that made this project a reality."

Both Keane and Shepard acknowledged the work of kindergarten teacher Heather Wood, whom Keane called the engine behind the project.

"This was her baby, she really did a lot with this," Shepard added. "She led the charge starting last year and I'd like to really thank her for it."