Photo: Ari Burling
Our students
finally getting to use the roof!
Photos: Joaquin Rodriguez/ Vicki Sando
After six long years of fundraising, planning, and much patience, the roof is finally becoming green! Installation will be complete by the end of August, and the roof will be open to students this September 2012.
This project would not have been possible without the tremendous support of many, many individuals who are committed to educating our children in green building technologies, and reconnecting them to nature. On behalf of our administration, teachers, students, and parents, we sincerely thank you!
NYC Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, Principal Kelly Shannon, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer,
GELL Founder Vicki Sando, State Senator Tom Duane, and SCA Project Manager Daniel O'Gorman cut the ribbon
on September 21, 2012.
Photo: Barbara Norman
Computer Image: Mark Vetter
GELL will completely transform PS41’s upper roof. With clear access and minimal protrusions, PS41’s top roof offers exceptional conditions for a greenroof. Located in one of New York City’s high-density, low open space neighborhoods, GELL will benefit the entire community.
PS41’s eastern roof will have a fenced-in observational learning space with walkways and gathering areas between the two stairwells adjacent to 11th Street. The western section of the roof will be reserved for wildlife, providing habitat for birds, bats, butterflies and other insects. Already a scenic vista, PS41’s greenroof will enhance the surrounding neighborhood by adding 10,000+ sq. ft. of flora to a section of New York that suffers a dearth of greenery. Environmental benefits to NYC include improved air quality and a reduction in carbon footprint, heat stamp and sewage-storm water runoff.
Computer Image: Mark Vetter
K-5 students will use GELL: Our goal is to create a learning laboratory that raises environmental literacy and enhances students’ awareness of the stewardship role they play in the health of the planet. In addition to ecological study, lessons will incorporate tactile, non-abstract demonstrations in chemistry and mathematics, as well as nutrition and aesthetics. By integrating GELL’s green space learning facility into PS41’s curriculum—and offering hands-on educational opportunities in farm-to-table agriculture, urban sustainability and environmental stewardship—GELL will enhance Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education.
Photo: Barbara Norman
GELL is a natural outgrowth of PS41’s gardening program, begun by Vicki Sando in the spring of 2003 and which she founded in 2006. The silent phase of GELL’s fundraising campaign began in 2006 when Christopher Hayes drafted GELL’s case statement and concept drawing. Since then, the school has raised almost $1.5M, in cash and in kind, from people who believe in GELL. Hundreds of people have helped so far, and we thank them for making GELL happen.
Photo: Vicki Sando
PS41 Gardening Program
PS41’s goal is to create a learning laboratory that raises environmental literacy and enhances students’ awareness of the stewardship role they play in the health of the planet. In addition to ecological study, the GELL will incorporate lessons in chemistry, biology, mathematics, nutrition and aesthetics. Providing a habitat for birds, bats, butterflies and other insects, at the same time the GELL will help improve air quality, as well as reduce the city’s carbon footprint and sewage-storm water runoff.
Located in one of New York City’s high-density, low open-space neighborhoods, GELL’s 15,000 sq. ft. observational learning environment will be one of the city’s largest municipal greenroofs at a NYC public school. PS41 will incorporate this greenspace learning facility into its lesson plans, offering hands-on educational opportunities in farm-to-table agriculture, urban sustainability and environmental stewardship. The GELL Project @ PS41 will serve as a prototype educational facility designed to enhance Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education. Construction will begin in the spring of 2010.