Marion Jordan School seeking support for Petersen Patio project

During the 10 years Dana Petersen served as Marion Jordan School's principal, one of her visions was to renovate and expand the use of the school's existing courtyard into an outdoor classroom for students, staff, and parents to use throughout the school day.

Following her passing in June 2011, more than $6,000 was donated to the District Fifteen Educational Foundation in her honor to assist with this project.

Those donations allowed for a design to be completed in the spirit of Mrs. Petersen's idea. Work to transform the courtyard into an outdoor education space began this spring and has continued throughout the summer months. It is expected to be completed by the end of the summer, and it is hopeful that a formal dedication can be held in the fall of the 2012-13 school year for the “Dana Petersen Patio.”

However, the opportunity still exists to purchase a personalized brick for the patio. Each 4-inch by 8-inch paver brick costs $50 and includes up to three lines of engraving.

This is a chance for families and individuals to support Mrs. Petersen's vision and to permanently become a part of Marion Jordan School.

The courtyard project was important to Mrs. Petersen, and with your help, it will not only become a lasting memorial to her years of service at Marion Jordan, it will become a special place for students, staff, and parents at Marion Jordan School to use, which is exactly the way Mrs. Petersen would have wanted it.

For more information, contact Marion Jordan School at 847-963-550.

-- Story submitted by Community Consolidated School District 15