An FASD Partnership:
Putting the "Unity" in Community
Last school year, the Fleetwood Area School District reached out to the Bank to see if we would help support the Nature Center Restoration Project taking place behind the Fleetwood Area Middle School. This project was spearheaded by Mrs. Molly Sherman, the District’s Gifted Support Teacher for Grades 5 through 12, and it was a true community effort.
The Bank covered the full cost of supplies, which local company A.D. Moyer Lumber, kindly offered at a discounted price. Fleetwood alumnus, Mr. John Watkins of Watkins Architect in Fleetwood, donated his time as a consultant on the project by personally surveying the area and volunteering to develop blueprints for the boardwalk footbridge near the pond.
In Spring of 2024, Mr. John Heck, Technology Education teacher at the High School, worked with his woodshop students to build the bridge over a one and a half month period of time.
"My students are always excited about projects which help the community and get them outside. It was a win/ win assignment. Fleetwood is fortunate to have businesses that are willing to invest in our kids' education."
Throughout the Summer months, teachers, as well as ETC students and their families, volunteered their time to chop down trees and remove invasives to totally clear the area. Mrs. Sherman’s students also planted trees donated by Berks Nature and over 250 plants, all to help attract more wildlife.
Thanks to their efforts, students will now enjoy even better access to the pond so they can benefit from wildlife observation and study. In addition, the cross-country team will now be able to include the 0.2-mile pond trail in their course, and the community as a whole can enjoy this walking trail for many years to come.
Kudos to all involved on making this happen – what a collaborative effort!
The Custom Tiger Card allows all cardholders to make secure, contactless payments — all while supporting the local school district directly with every purchase made. Whether you’re a new or existing customer, learn more about how to get this limited edition card here!
