28 Shade Planning for America’s Schools Chapter 4 Continued Efforts To date, 25 Collier County elementary schools have been outfitted with shade structures over their playgrounds. The scope of the initial project was 22 schools, but since that time, Collier County has built three more schools and has incorporated shade structures into their design and construction. Since the implementation of shade coverings in the Collier County school district, other neighboring school districts have seen the utility and importance of providing students, teachers, and staff with protection from UV radiation. For example, in the Lee County school district, Bonita Elementary School has begun fund-raising efforts to build a shade structure for the school. The school’s parent-teacher organization has pledged to donate a portion of the funds, and solicitations of businesses and service clubs are expected to raise more. The school expects to pay $64,000 to install shade canopies over its two playgrounds. Teryl Brzeski has won her battle with skin cancer and now fights every day to ensure that her daughter and the children of Collier County will not have to face the same battle. Her efforts to educate others on skin cancer and its prevention and to promote sun safety through the construction of shade structures at elementary schools have motivated not only her county to take action but have also influenced neighboring counties to take the same steps.
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