We ordered the stencils from Peaceful Playground. They were easy to understand and good quality. Our problem was choice of paint. I dont' know what the phys ed teacher bought, but within a very short while, the paint started flaking off the asphalt. In fact, the committee hadn't even finished painting the whole stencil before the dry paint started to peel off. It might very well have to do with the type of surface on our asphalt, but it was such a mess the committee just stopped working. So now we have a partial USA map, much of which is flaking off. I dont' think it's the fault of the stencil company at all - they just provide the stencils. I guess we used the wrong kind of paint for our particular application. Be sure to ask specific questions and get your paint from a knowledgeable paint supplier. I don't think you'll have problems on a more porous surface like concrete or raw asphalt, but our surface had been sealed within the past year, and the paint we used just didnt' adhere to the sealer. Ugh.
Also, since you are from Massachusetts, you can talk with Diane Rodger about a US Map Rug. I set up for our Library to receive one just a couple of weeks ago and it is perfect. It is a 10' x 8' rug with the US Map and has the state capitals around the rug border. It's very colorful and can be used for so many different learning games. I would act fast on this as I know that she only has one left, so likely first come first serve.
Yup, Verizon Pioneers is who I am in contact with. Learning a bit about this group, they consist of retired phone company employees and are nation wide. They will definitely want four or five volunteers for a few hours. For those in Massachusetts, let me give you this...
I've set up for my contact to come to the school this Friday. She had requested media coverage, and as it turned out the local Cardi's furniture store donated a living room set earlier in the year. The Verizon Pioneers had a 10' x 8' carpet of the U.S., with capitals, etc. She is bringing this to the school for the living room area in the Library. Since we already set up for media coverage of Pete, Nick and Rob from Cardi's it just made sense to combo this. They're coming in to read to the students, so it will be a big thing. So, best recommendation is to try searching for The Verizon Pioneers as they should have a local chapter near you. For those in Massachusetts if you would like my contact directly please e-mail me. Not only will she be able to provide the map stencil for the playground, but likely a gifted carpet as well.
Jurijeka--see if your local boy scouts can help you out or make it a project by your students that are leaving this year. It could be a way of them showing their thanks for years of great teachers, experiences and memories!
Making a positive difference one project at a time <img src=images/smilies/smile.gif>
