Kelly Hughes
69310 McCallum Way
Cathedral City, CA 92234
[email protected]
June 13, 2023
Karen Riley
S.C.R.A.P. Gallery
68743 Perez Rd # D16
Cathedral City, CA 92234
Subject: Letter of Support for the S.C.R.A.P. Gallery Programs and Funding
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing this letter to express my wholehearted support forthe S.C.R.A.P. Gallery and their continued receipt of support and funding from the city of Cathedral City. As an advocate and educator for sustainable practices and a firm believer in the critical importance of environmental conservation, I have closely followed the impactful work done by the S.C.R.A.P. Gallery in our community.
The S.C.R.A.P. Gallery has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering environmental sustainability and creating a positive impact on our planet. Karen Riley and her dedicated team of professionals and volunteers has spearheaded numerous initiatives that promote sustainable practices, raise awareness about environmental issues, and empower individuals and communities to make eco-friendly choices. The most recent program is the Sustainability Squad at Sunny Sands Elementary School. Students in this club learn and then teach others about how they can save the planet and make it a better place for future generations.
One of the key reasons why I believe the S.C.R.A.P. Gallery deserves to receive ongoing support and funding is their exceptional track record of achievement. Over the years, they have successfully implemented a wide range of projects and programs that have made a significant difference in our community. From organizing educational workshops and community clean-up campaigns to advocating for policy changes and supporting local businesses in adopting sustainable practices, the S.C.R.A.P. Gallery has consistently proven their ability to effect positive change.
I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the positive impact that the S.C.R.A.P. Gallery has had on our community. Their initiatives have not only helped raise awareness about pressing environmental issues but have also resulted in tangible outcomes, such as improved recycling and repurposing practices at many Palm Springs Unified classrooms, and increased access to environmental solutions and education throughout our valley. These achievements highlight the efficacy and sustainability of their projects and affirm their value as an essential partner in our ongoing efforts towards a greener future.
Furthermore, the S.C.R.A.P. Gallery has demonstrated a strong commitment to collaboration and community engagement. They have actively sought partnerships with other local organizations, government agencies, and academic institutions to leverage resources, expertise, and community networks. By fostering collaboration, the S.C.R.A.P. Gallery has maximized the impact of their work and created a robust and interconnected network of stakeholders dedicated to environmental sustainability.
Considering all these factors, I wholeheartedly endorse the S.C.R.A.P. Gallery to continue receiving support and funding fromthe City of Cathedral City. By providing sustained financial support, the city of Cathedral City will not only enable the S.C.R.A.P. Gallery to maintain their ongoing initiatives but also empower them to explore new avenues for addressing emerging environmental challenges.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. Should you require any additional information or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at (760) 409-8982 or [email protected]. I appreciate your consideration and ongoing commitment to supporting organizations that drive positive change in our community.
Yours sincerely,
Kelly Hughes
Sunny Sands Elementary School
Sunny Sands Elementary Sustainablity Squad
June 9, 2023
To Whom It May Concern: c/o City of Cathedral City
My name is Donna Crisp, and I am the librarian at Sunny Sands Elementary in the School District of Palm Spring Unified. I have worked with the SCRAP Gallery and Karen Riley for 12 years. She is an important part of the library and student population here at Sunny Sands Elementary in many ways. She has always been available to bring the yearly theme of the library to life with art, global awareness, and life lessons for students each month.
S.C.R.A.P. Gallery visits every week starting the first week of school in August through the last week of school in June. They bring environmental programs, community projects, contests, and events to the students. This year, through S.C.R.A.P. Gallery we were able to provide environmental art projects, bicycle education, and onsite school cleanups with the participation of more than 650 students.
These types of projects and lessons are so important to students on a level beyond academics. It helps them develop both emotionally and mentally. For example, emotional development is important, and students get a sense of taking care of their community and where they live with the art Karen brings for them to do. Another example, mental development, there are students that get overwhelmed with academics and may struggle a little more than other students. The projects Karen provides are important to theses student because it gives them a break from traditional academics as well as builds confidence and accomplishment is something.
The SCRAP Gallery is a vital part of the student’s education here at Sunny Sands Elementary. They are not just creating art they are learning and developing in ways that will make them better people in our community’s future.
Sincerely,
Donna Crisp
Librarian
Sunny Sands Elementary School
June 15, 2023
To Whom It May Concern.
My name is Rosalind Orduno and I teach first grade at Cathedral City Elementary School. I have had the pleasure of knowing Karen Riley for over 12 years. She is a dear friend and we consider her a part of our school staff. She has come over to our school to provide environmental art lessons. The materials and supplies she brings, for the projects or lessons, are from reused or recycled materials. She makes the time and effort to go to many classrooms at different schools within the Coachella Valley.
Our school is very fortunate to welcome Karen into our classroom. None of this would have happened without the support of our former principal, Jessica Whiteman, she is now Director of Elementary Curriculum and Instruction, our current principal, Brenda Santana, and of course, the support of the city of Cathedral City.
Our staff and school always look forward to Karen coming to our school. Our students get the opportunity to do more hands-on projects in the classroom with materials that they could easily find in their homes. However, during these uncertain times, Karen Riley brings the love of art for our students. They are so happy when they see her walking through our classroom’s door.
Sincerely,
Rosalind Orduno
June 16, 2023
Dear Cathedral City;
My name is Sara Hadley and I am an Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Coach at Nellie Coffman Middle School in the Palm Springs Unified School District. I have taught in Cathedral City for 23 years and have lived in all areas of the Coachella Valley. I have known Karen Riley and worked with her and the SCRAP Gallery for 15 years. She is an integral part of our school and her mission makes an impact on my students’ lives and increases their global awareness and responsibility each year.
When I had a classroom, she would come once a week and introduce a slew of community sponsored events, projects and contests for us to do. I have seen firsthand, year after year, students who don’t have any concept of earth friendly behavior change into kids who get frustrated at someone who throws a water bottle into the wrong bin or can’t stand the thought of throwing things away because certainly they could turn it into something amazing! Some of the things the SCRAP Gallery does with our school are partnering with our sister city in Tequila, Mexico and sharing art and cultural awareness with a students from there; creating a coral reef display using recycled materials to promote the gallery exhibit that raises awareness of coral reef bleaching and dying; and creating awareness and habitats for our earth’s pollinators. She has been a part of our lunchtime procedures and has plans to help change the mindset of the students and adults in regards to food waste procedures and knowledge. Currently, she comes every week and provides a mix of community service opportunities and environmental education through art and projects.
I have seen kids flourish when given the opportunity to present information to people from the community. They enjoy having an impact in real life situations.
Thanks to the SCRAP Gallery, students in our school are able to not only learn about ways they impact the environment, (even in these challenging times), but they are able to effectively promote change in the school and community, and that is a powerful thing for any student.
Thank you for your time.
Sara Hadley
6th Grade Teacher
Nellie N. Coffman Middle School
June 19, 2023
To Whom It May Concern:
For over five years now, I have had the privilege to work with Karen Riley from the S.C.R.A.P. Gallery. Each month, she visits each of our four first grade classrooms at Rio Vista Elementary School and presents an hour long, engaging art lesson that stems from the program's recycling and environmental education platform. Each lesson starts with background information on the type of art style and relevance, and seamlessly incorporates recycled materials that students use to create their own masterpieces. Karen provides all the materials and does an amazing job proctoring and assisting students as they create their inspiring art pieces. At the end of each lesson, there is a closing teachable moment and students are encouraged to display and share their projects with their peers and families.
We are excited to have Karen expand the program to Kindergarten for the 2023- 2024 school year. She does a wonderful job linking the lessons with themes/skills that we are covering within our curriculum.
Kindly,
Shellie Herndon
1st Grade Team Leader