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Fernway Forward: A Fundraising Campaign to Restore Fernway School
December 10, 2018—On July 10, 2018, the entire Shaker community was devastated by a fire at Fernway Elementary School. Fortunately, the small number of staff members in the building that day were safely evacuated.

The Bad News
The fire and water damage to the building was severe, and forced the District to relocate Fernway students to other elementary buildings in the District for this school year and next. The roof collapsed, and very little of the building’s contents could be salvaged. 

The Good News
The community rallied together immediately to start the process to rebuild. Now, a plan is in place to not only restore Fernway to its former glory, but to move it forward with much-needed improvements, such as expanded classrooms, ADA accessibility (including an elevator), a lunchroom/community meeting space, and separate rooms for art, music, and occupational therapy. Learn more about the Fernway story

Why is Fundraising Necessary?
The insurance settlement for Fernway provides $14.5 million and the District has approved additional spending of $3 million. Those combined funds will cover the basics of Fernway’s restoration, but more support is needed to provide the level of excellence needed to carry Fernway forward for the next 100 years. 

Fernway Forward campaign efforts will support:
  • Outdoor community spaces and play areas
  • Media center and design spaces
  • Occupational therapy rooms
    Art and music rooms
  • Cafeteria / community space

You Can Help
Now, five months to the date of the Fernway fire, the Shaker Schools Foundation is launching the fundraising campaign. Please help us by supporting the Fernway Forward Campaign by donating online here. Or, you can be part of the Fernway community’s peer-to-peer effort here.  

There are limited opportunities for naming rights associated with the renovation. Gifts of $1,000 or more may be paid over 2-3 years. Please contact us with any questions. 

We appreciate your loving care and support for this great Shaker community!