maureen colin principal - st. john of the cross parish schoolponds for kids was initially developed...

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PONDS FOR KIDS “The addition of the pond to the St. John of the Cross Parish School courtyard continues to enhance our environmental space. From the involvement by our students, faculty and par- ents in the pond installation to the study of water, plant, insect, fish and wildlife that has become an important part of our science curricu- lum, children and adults within the school com- munity continue to learn from our pond. It also adds a sense of beauty and calm where time may be spent reading a story, drawing a picture or reflecting on the gift of the world around us. Caring for our environment is critical to future generations. Our pond and courtyard give us a hands-on approach of learning to respect our world and all that live in it.” Maureen Colin Principal - St. John of the Cross Parish School Willow Springs, Illinois

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Page 1: Maureen Colin Principal - St. John of the Cross Parish SchoolPonds for Kids was initially developed by Aquascape Designs, Inc. in St. Charles, Illinois. Being a leader in the water

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“The addition of the pond to the St. John of the Cross Parish School courtyard continues to enhance our environmental space. From the involvement by our students, faculty and par-ents in the pond installation to the study of water, plant, insect, fish and wildlife that has become an important part of our science curricu-lum, children and adults within the school com-munity continue to learn from our pond. It also adds a sense of beauty and calm where time may be spent reading a story, drawing a picture or reflecting on the gift of the world around us. Caring for our environment is critical to future generations. Our pond and courtyard give us a hands-on approach of learning to respect our world and all that live in it.”

Maureen ColinPrincipal - St. John of the Cross Parish School Willow Springs, Illinois

Page 2: Maureen Colin Principal - St. John of the Cross Parish SchoolPonds for Kids was initially developed by Aquascape Designs, Inc. in St. Charles, Illinois. Being a leader in the water

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Ponds for Kids was initially developed by Aquascape Designs, Inc. in St. Charles, Illinois. Being a leader in the water gar-dening industry, Aquascape Designs saw the importance of sharing this great hobby with as many people as possible. In its attempt to educate hobbyists around the country about water gardens, Aquascape Designs founded The North American Water Garden Society (a non-profit organization) and donated its Ponds for Kids program. This new organiza-tion would be designed specifically for the hobbyists, shar-ing the many ways that people could enjoy this hobby. The North American Water Garden Society has taken the Ponds for Kids program and added some much needed content, systems & procedures… hence this guide!

We hope you enjoy this program and are looking forward to hearing all about how Ponds for Kids has affected your school!

This Guidebook is organized into 3 main components…

Planning guide • This section will take you through initial planning to the actual installation day. It is where you can

locate forms to use and modify for your program.

Pond activity guide • This Activity Guide was written by teachers from many disciplines and put together by Brookfield

Zoo in Brookfield, IL. • A variety of activities that you can use “as is” or tailor to meet the needs of your students as you

explore your pond.

ResouRces • How to order a free Create A Paradise Video from Aquascape Designs, Inc., which answers every

basic pond question you can imagine. • The Pond Ecosystem Diagram • A resource list of other great programs, websites, and organizations that will assist you in making

the most of your new aquatic ecosystem

Special thanks to the following for their input and expertise in developing this wonderful program!Ellen BeaulieuKeith Winsten Rick OsbourneJulie MalisMelinda TuryJanet DeSilvestroDebby CornatchiaJudy MeehanErin Olsen

Layout and design by Icon Digital Design & Illustration, Inc.

Page 3: Maureen Colin Principal - St. John of the Cross Parish SchoolPonds for Kids was initially developed by Aquascape Designs, Inc. in St. Charles, Illinois. Being a leader in the water

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creating a Pond team

Who should be on the Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Scheduling Your Pond Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Frequently Asked Questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-7

Fundraising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Public Relations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

How does PFK fit in our school? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Finding a Ponds For Kids network installer

What is a PFK Network Installer? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.1

How to find a PFK Network Installer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.1

Meeting with your contractor

Pond location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Laying out the pond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Determining Costs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Agreement forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-12

Preparing for Pond Building day

Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

How to organize students, teachers and parent helpers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Some things students do best . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Student Waivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16-17

Pre-teaching activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18-19

Pond Building day

Agenda. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Student, Teacher & Volunteer participation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Follow up

Follow up forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

www.nawgs.org PFK Portfolio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Start a Ponds For Kids Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

PFK Forums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Page 4: Maureen Colin Principal - St. John of the Cross Parish SchoolPonds for Kids was initially developed by Aquascape Designs, Inc. in St. Charles, Illinois. Being a leader in the water

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Creating the Pond teamIt is important to create a team of key people to assist in the organization, execution, and ongoing maintenance of your school’s pond. This team should ideally include at least one teacher, one administrator, a maintenance or custodial staff member, as well as the contractor with whom you’ll be working. The success of your Ponds for Kids Program is dependent on this team.

Teacher __________________________________________________________________

Administrator_____________________________________________________________

Custodial _________________________________________________________________

Contractor ________________________________________________________________

Student __________________________________________________________________

Other ____________________________________________________________________

Other ____________________________________________________________________

SuggeSted meetingS • Initial meeting with Contractor • Design pond and decide location • Determine cost of material • Determine time frame • Electric & water concerns

FundRaising & MaRKeting • Ideas to raise money • Contacting school public relations

Pond Building logistics • Agenda for day • Organizing students • Student waivers • Pre-Teaching Activities

Follow uP • PFK Portfolio

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SCheduling Your Pond teamThe success of this program is primarily dependent on the team of people who are guiding its progress. We suggest having at least three members on this team. It is important to remember to involve representatives from teaching staff and admin-istrative personnel, as well as the maintenance/custodial staff. Including someone from each of these areas will help ensure the program’s success by making sure all concerns and questions are answered.

ouR Pond teaM is:

Teacher ___________________________________________________________________

Administrator _____________________________________________________________

Custodial _________________________________________________________________

We recommend that the Pond Team schedule at least 4 meetings to ensure the program’s success.

ouR Meeting schedule…

Initial Meeting ____________________________________________________________

Meeting with the Contractor _______________________________________________

Pond Build Preparation ____________________________________________________

Follow Up ________________________________________________________________

Additional Meetings _______________________________________________________

FrequentlY aSked queStionS aBout Ponds FoR Kids PRogRaM

what is Ponds FoR Kids?The Ponds for Kids program is designed to give children and young adults a work-ing appreciation for nature and ecology. Additionally, other areas like art, creative writing and poetry can be incorporated by respective teachers. The opportunities are many and the ideas are limitless as to how a school can incorporate the Ponds for Kids program into their curriculum.

what will the school Be Financially ResPonsiBle FoR?The school will be responsible to raise the funds for the materials of the pond.

Page 6: Maureen Colin Principal - St. John of the Cross Parish SchoolPonds for Kids was initially developed by Aquascape Designs, Inc. in St. Charles, Illinois. Being a leader in the water

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what is nawgs & Ponds FoR Kids ResPonsiBle FoR?NAWGS & Ponds for Kids will attempt to partner teachers and their students with an experienced local contractor who may donate or reduce the cost of his time, equipment and expertise to guide the participating students in the construction of a functioning pond ecosystem.

what is the aveRage cost FoR MateRials to do a Ponds FoR Kids?This cost is approximately between $2,000 - $3,000. Rock cost in your area can directly affect this cost. This fee includes… • Rock and Gravel • Liner & Underlayment • Aquascape Designs Filtration System • Aquascape Designs high efficiency submersible pump • Piping and plumbing

how do i Find a contRactoR in My aRea?Ponds for Kids has a great group of contractors waiting to share their experience and enthusiasm with the Ponds for Kids Network Installer Program.

iF a contRactoR is availaBle in My aRea, what can i exPect?The instructions for building the pond, as well as the name of a local contractor who has experience with this type of project, will be supplied by Ponds for Kids. The contractor will work with the school on the installation of the pond and on possible landscaping options as well. Ponds for Kids will work with the contractor to develop specific installation instructions that will work best for the students and teachers involved in the project.

how Much aRea will the Pond RequiRe?Ponds for Kids ponds are approximately 11’ x 16’ in dimension. It is not recommended to go much larger since it would be difficult to construct a larger pond in one day.

The pond (including the waterfall) will require an area of approximately 20’x30’ once all the plants are added to the mix.

how Much Maintenance does a Pond RequiRe?Once installed, the time required to maintain the pond will be approximately five to ten minutes per week. It will basically involve dumping the leaves and/or cleaning algae out of the skimmer basket. The primary goal of having a beautiful, crystal clear pond/learning lab is achieved by making sure the aquatic circle of life remains in balance. Under such conditions, Mother Nature does 99% of the maintenance work for you… which is a lesson that can be taught and learned in a very hands-on fashion.

Yearly, it is also suggested that a pond be drained and cleaned (especially if it was turned off for winter). This process is not mandatory each year, but dependent on seasonal effects, debris in pond, and fish load. The cost for this service differs (ask your contractor) and can also easily be completed your pond team.

what is the electRical cost FoR Running the PuMPs each Month?The pumps are recommended to run 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The electrical cost for running a high efficiency pump is approximately $20/month.

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how long will the Pond taKe to Build?It is suggested that the pond will take 1 day to build. (This may vary and your con-tractor should be able to give you a more exact estimate once you meet) You will need at least one eight hour day for the staff and students who get to participate by providing the hands-on elbow grease for the project. In the past, we’ve found that the kids not only love the novelty of working together outdoors, but they also take an owner’s pride in knowing it was their own sweat equity that brought the pond to life.

what aBout liaBility?The deepest point in the pond will be 24 inches, so liability is not a major issue. However, there are certain criteria to be considered when choosing the placement of the pond. For example, the location where students meet their buses would be a high traffic area and therefore not a good location for the pond. Liability will have to be discussed with the principal or the school board so that everyone’s concerns can be addressed.

how Many students can woRK on the PRoject?The possibilities are endless. Suggestions for how to organize the students along with what jobs are appropriate for each grade level are included in the PFK Curriculum Guide.

is this a good oPPoRtunity FoR Media coveRage?Absolutely! A sample press release is included in the PFK Curriculum Guide and it’s a story everyone loves to cover!

what aBout PaRental consent?Parents must give their permission for students to participate in a project of this type. Parents must also give consent for pictures of their children working on the pond to be published if this possibility occurs. The contractors will most likely want to send out a press release about the project which will include pictures of the students. A parental consent form is included in the packet we send once we receive your application for the program.

FrequentlY aSked queStionS aBout Ponds in geneRal • Watch the enclosed Create a Paradise Video • Refer to Water Gardening Getting Started

Page 8: Maureen Colin Principal - St. John of the Cross Parish SchoolPonds for Kids was initially developed by Aquascape Designs, Inc. in St. Charles, Illinois. Being a leader in the water

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FundraiSingEach individual school is responsible for raising the funds to cover the cost of mate-rials needed for the pond. Fundraising is a very important aspect of the project and may be the most tiring. Since this is a school-wide project and all students will benefit, the fundraising can be a school-wide effort. Some schools may have funds available for use, but the use of these funds must be voted on and approved by the student council or the school board. This might be the first approach to take.

some other ideas that may help with funding are: • Contact your local city council. They may have an environmental fund that

is available for educational purposes. Some municipalities earmark funds for education in ecology.

• The local forest preserve staff will likely be excited to help with funding since they are dedicated to preserving prairies and wildlife and educating the public on how to accomplish this. They may also help out with developing the curriculum for students.

• There are many different types of student fundraising activities such as selling candy or wrapping paper, or you may try to keep the fundraising related to the environment by selling birdhouses crafted by the students. Again this is an opportunity to get the entire school involved--the art department, the student council, the science classes--in all grade levels.

• Fundraising does not have to be kept local. There are state agencies such as the Illinois EPA which has grants available to schools for programs just like the Ponds for Kids Program. Applying for grants does take time but your efforts will be rewarded. Remember, the building of the pond is only the beginning; the benefits will last forever.

The cost of ponds differs due to many factors such as rock cost and site preparation, as well as contractor’s time (if there is no contractor in your area willing to donate their time).

Refer to Meeting with Your Contractor section (sample 11 x 16 costs).

PubliC relationSA Ponds for Kids Program is an ideal vehicle for great PR! Who doesn’t love a story about schools, kids, environment, and great community service? Do not pass up the opportunity to get awesome PR for your school, the community that may be helping with funding, as well as the contractor assisting in having it all come together!

Many schools have their own public relations specialist, but if you’re on your own, here is a checklist of some possible avenues of press as well as a few sample press releases to modify and make your own! • Local Paper • Local Cable • Local News • Township Board • School Board • School Paper

Page 9: Maureen Colin Principal - St. John of the Cross Parish SchoolPonds for Kids was initially developed by Aquascape Designs, Inc. in St. Charles, Illinois. Being a leader in the water

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what is a PFK netwoRK installeR?

Ponds for Kids has organized a professional network of installers to help make a pond at your organization a reality. The Ponds for Kids Network is made up of pond professionals who are willing to share their expertise, enthusiasm and ser-vices. Each Network Professional that you will see in the database has committed to sharing their love of watergardening. NAWGS has not certified or trained any of these professionals, since the program is voluntary. NAWGS does however sug-gest that when seeking out a professional to work with that you ask to see some references and other work that they have completed.

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Page 10: Maureen Colin Principal - St. John of the Cross Parish SchoolPonds for Kids was initially developed by Aquascape Designs, Inc. in St. Charles, Illinois. Being a leader in the water

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meeting With Your ContraCtordeteRMining costs It is recommended that a Ponds for Kids Program be conducted using Aquascape Designs, Inc. products as well as construction philosophies. The Ponds for Kids Program was donated by Aquascape Designs, Inc. to the North American Water Garden Society so its products and philosophies are referenced throughout the Planning and Activity Guide. These philosophies focus on a balanced ecosystem, so in order to maintain the integrity for which it was intended, we suggest using the Aquascape System.

laying out youR Pond(Your contractor will be able to assist you in designing the pond) • By using a common garden hose, you can play around with the shape of the

pond, keeping it no larger than approximately 11’ x 16’. • Face the waterfall towards viewing areas.

determining CoStSOfficial Ponds for Kids Programs should be conducted using Aquascape Designs, Inc. products as well as construction philosophies. The Ponds for Kids program was donated by Aquascape Designs to the North American Water Garden Society with the above stipulation in order to maintain the integrity that was intended for the program. An 11’ x 16’ pond is suggested as the maximum size of a pond for the program. This size may be modified for each program but will be our point of reference as we discuss costs.

Pond PRoducts RequiRed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PRicesStandard Biofalls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $400.00Skimmmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $250.0015’ x 20’ Liner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200.00300 sq ft. Underlayment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $80.003,000 gph submersible pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $450.0025’ of 2” flexible pvc pipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $80.00Installation kit (foam, silicone, patch). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $40.00Water treatments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $70.00Various Sized Boulders 6 tons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $800.00 (Prices Vary)Gravel 1.5 tons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,570.00 (Prices Vary)

aPPRoxiMate cost oF MateRials FoR Pond . . . . . . . . . $2,570 .00

Your contractor will share the pond costs after or during the initial meeting and you will need to utilize the appropriate agreement forms that follow.

Page 11: Maureen Colin Principal - St. John of the Cross Parish SchoolPonds for Kids was initially developed by Aquascape Designs, Inc. in St. Charles, Illinois. Being a leader in the water

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ContraCtor & SChool PondS For kidS agreement “SChool Funded”

o attach itemized estimate

estimate amount $_________________________

o terms of reimbursement ____________________________

(ie. Upon completion of the pond, within 10 days of completion)

o signature of agreement

School Contact Signature Date

School Contact Signature Date

school

Name ________________________________________________________________________

Address _______________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip ________________________________________________________________

Phone ________________________________________________________________________

Contact Person ________________________________________________________________

Email _________________________________________________________________________

contRactoR

Name ________________________________________________________________________

Address _______________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip ________________________________________________________________

Phone ________________________________________________________________________

Contact Person ________________________________________________________________

Email

Page 12: Maureen Colin Principal - St. John of the Cross Parish SchoolPonds for Kids was initially developed by Aquascape Designs, Inc. in St. Charles, Illinois. Being a leader in the water

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PondS For kidS reimburSement Form

(ie. School or NAWGS chapter)

This form is to be completed by the person (Contractor) who ordered and paid for the materials that were used in the construction of the pond in order to be reimbursed by either the school or the group that donated the pond.

o Please attach copies of any invoices

o Please attach original agreement

o school signature on PFK completion

Contact Person Signature Date

Contact Person Printed

o amount to be reimbursed to contractor $_________________

school

Name ________________________________________________________________________

Address _______________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip ________________________________________________________________

Phone ________________________________________________________________________

Contact Person ________________________________________________________________

Email _________________________________________________________________________

contRactoR

Name ________________________________________________________________________

Address _______________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip ________________________________________________________________

Phone ________________________________________________________________________

Contact Person ________________________________________________________________

Email _________________________________________________________________________

submitted to__________________________________________________________________

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o attach itemized estimate

estimate amount $_________________________

o cap of monetary donation to be reimbursed by donor $________________________

o additional amount not covered by donor $_________________

Party responsible for additional amount____________________

o terms of reimbursement ____________________________

(ie . upon completion of the pond, within 10 days of completion)

o signature of agreement

Contact Person Signature Date

Contact Person Signature Date

ContraCtor & SChool PondS For kidS agreement “donation Funded”oRganization donating MateRial cost

Name ________________________________________________________________________

Address _______________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip ________________________________________________________________

Phone ________________________________________________________________________

Contact Person ________________________________________________________________

Email _________________________________________________________________________

contRactoR

Name ________________________________________________________________________

Address _______________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip ________________________________________________________________

Phone ________________________________________________________________________

Contact Person ________________________________________________________________

Email _________________________________________________________________________

school

Name ________________________________________________________________________

Address _______________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip ________________________________________________________________

Phone ________________________________________________________________________

Contact Person ________________________________________________________________

Email

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PreParing For Pond building daY CheCkliSt

o agreements signed

o cost of materials determined

o electric located

o water located

o utility site inspected

o site visit completed

o location to dump rock determined

o traffic pattern determined from materials to site (protect floors)

o date set for PFK

o Public Relations set up

o students and volunteers organized

o waivers signed by participants

o Pre-teaching date scheduled

o agenda created

o Refreshments ordered

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hoW to organize StudentS and VolunteerS

There are many ways to handle the organization of students. Some schools simply use one classroom, while others find a way to include every person in the school. The composition of each school usually helps determine what works best. However, whatever you decide, just make sure you have a plan! Refer to “Some Things Students Do Best” list below and “Sample Agenda” on page 15 to help pre-pare your plan. We have also included a couple of sample consent forms that have been used by schools. These forms need to be modified to meet your needs. You may want to run your form past a school official to make sure you have covered all bases.

Our Plan for student participation is…

Our plan for parent/volunteer participation is…

Some thingS StudentS do beSt

Kindergarten – 3rd grade 1. Add gravel to pond 2. Spread mulch 3. Wash rocks 4. Plant aquatic plants 5. Install liner and underlayment

4th grade & up 6. Lay out pond 7. Dig Pond 8. Move rock (size and weight appropriate) -Suggest to groups “no bigger than softball, or no bigger than a volleyball.

9. Hook up skimmer and biofalls with professional 10. Finish edges 11. Retaining work

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8:00 – 12:00

• lay out pond

• dig pond

• install liner & underlayment

• hook up skimmer

• Place rock in pond

• wash rocks & start filling pond

12:00

• lunch

1:00 – 4:00

• Build waterfall and stream

• Bring in topsoil

• Build retaining wall

• Finish edges

• add mulch

• turn on pumps!

SamPle agenda

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Pond inStallation PermiSSion Form

My child, _______________________________________________ has permission to help with the pond

installation on ____________________ and wishes his/her name to be placed in the lottery drawing to

represent his/her grade level.

Child’s signature Date

Parent/ Guardian signature Date

Please check below:

_____ I would like to volunteer to help with the pond installation on______________________________

_____ I am not able to help on installation day.

Signature

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ConSent Form

I hereby consent to my child’s participation in the Ponds For Kids Program, sponsored by____________________________________________. Further, on behalf of my child and myself, I hereby release the ______________________________ (School) and North American Water Garden Society from any liability, personal injury, or property damage, regardless of the kind of nature that might occur from my child’s participation in the Program. Further, I hereby consent to my child’s picture or likeness being published in any type of press release or photo opportunity relating to the Program, if this possibility occurs.

Date: __________________________

Parent or Guardian of Child

(Print Name of Child)

Page 19: Maureen Colin Principal - St. John of the Cross Parish SchoolPonds for Kids was initially developed by Aquascape Designs, Inc. in St. Charles, Illinois. Being a leader in the water

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Pre-teaChing agenda

• what is a Pond?

• what is an ecosystem?

ecosystem poster

• why would we want a pond here?

• what are some ways we can learn from the Pond?

• how do you build a Pond?

18 steps and materials used

• watch video

• q & a game (candy give away)

• what do you think will be your favorite part?

• how day will run

Page 20: Maureen Colin Principal - St. John of the Cross Parish SchoolPonds for Kids was initially developed by Aquascape Designs, Inc. in St. Charles, Illinois. Being a leader in the water

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liner Biofalls® pump ecosystem fish

skimmer plants Pvc pipe underlayment rocks & gravel

1. An _______________________________________ is a community of animals, plants, and the

environment all related to one another.

2. A ________________________________ pulls debris off the surface of the pond and it is also

where the pump is housed.

3. ______________________________keeps the water from seeping into the ground.

4. If the pond is at least two feet deep ___________________________ can survive in it all

winter long.

5. The ___________________________ is the biological filter where much of the bacteria grows,

and it is also where the waterfall starts.

6. A __________________________ moves the water.

7. _________________________________ are placed on top of the liner.

8. _________________________________helps keep the liner from getting punctured.

9. __________________________ brings water from the Skimmer to the Biofalls® Filter.

10. _______________________ are an important part of the ecosystem and also help keep the

water clear.

Page 21: Maureen Colin Principal - St. John of the Cross Parish SchoolPonds for Kids was initially developed by Aquascape Designs, Inc. in St. Charles, Illinois. Being a leader in the water

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FolloW uP!

Congratulations on completing a successful Ponds for Kids program! You have been key in adding a teach-ing tool that will be enjoyed and utilized for years and generations to come!

Please go to www.PondsforKids.org and submit a PFK follow up to our N. American Portfolio. It’s a simple form that allows you to post a picture of your students by their pond, showcasing their hard work and accomplishments.

We look forward to hearing your feedback and seeing the beautiful addition to your school.

Page 22: Maureen Colin Principal - St. John of the Cross Parish SchoolPonds for Kids was initially developed by Aquascape Designs, Inc. in St. Charles, Illinois. Being a leader in the water

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Start a PondS For kidS Club

The fun of a Ponds for Kids event should only be the beginning. Keep the energy going with a Ponds for Kids Club. They could help meaintain the pond, educate others on the pond, or simply feel part of the group! The opportunities are endless! Ask your Installer if they would like to support your club, and attend some meetings.

For more PFK Club ideas go to www.nawgs.org

PFk ForumS

The forums at www.pondsforkids.org allow administrators, teachers and students to share their experiences, ideas and thoughts about their pond.

Staying connected and keeping the pond activities active after the day of installation will allow everyone to fully benefit from this wonderful program.

Ponds For Kids

Ponds For Kids - school ForumThese are the forums for the discussion of Ponds For Kids, by school teachers, admins and organizers.

Ponds For Kids - network installersThese are the forums for the discussion of Ponds For Kids, for installers in the Ponds For Kids Network!

Ponds For Kids - Kids ForumThese are the forums for the discussion of Ponds For Kids, by the students working on this project! Welcome!

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Sat Dec 31, 2005 8:19 am The Pond Digger

Thu May 04, 2006 10:33 pm blogGreen88