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“I like this house,” said the small boy, his dark eyes shining as he watched teacher Nate Rockhold adjust placement of the stylish new playhouse in the school’s play yard. “I want to go inside it.” Adjustments completed, Rockhold stepped back and smiled, watching the ten or so preschool and kindergarten students as they took turns going inside, looking out the windows and opening and closing the door. “There will be a lot of fun, imaginative play that comes out of this,” he noted.The sky-blue playhouse, trimmed with white starts and colorful flowers, was a gift from Habitat for Humanity Silicon Valley (HHSV) to Mount Madonna School’s preschool kindergarten program. The Playhouse Project began in 2009 as a partnership between corporate powerhouse NetApp and HHSV; project proceeds benefit the nonprofit Habitat for Humanity.
Habitat for Humanity coordinates the construction of the houses…and NetApp finds corporate sponsors who invest $2,500 for the opportunity to bring their own employees and come in and construct the house. The playhouse that Mount Madonna School received was sponsored and built by Broadcom corporation.
“It was the perfect time of year to receive such a lovely donation from a group that supports so many with their good work,” comments Supriya Mary McDonald, Head of MMS’ Lower School. “We are so grateful; the MMS preschool/kindergarten received a playhouse for the kids, and Habitat for Humanity received financial support from Broadcom for their program.”
To date about 30 playhouses have been donated to an array of local children’s’ organizations, and 40 more are planned for 2011. Groups that have received them include the Ronald McDonald House, InnVision, Community Solutions, Rebekah’s Children’s Services, Chamberlain Children Center, and the YWCA.
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Nestled among the redwoods on 355 mountaintop acres, Mount Madonna is a safe and nurturing college-preparatory school that supports students in becoming caring, self-aware and articulate critical thinkers, who are prepared to meet challenges with perseverance, creativity and integrity. The CAIS and WASC accredited program emphasizes academic excellence, creative self-expression and positive character development. Located on Summit Road between Gilroy and Watsonville.
