Message Regarding NCS Memorial Trees
Dear Naples School Community:
This past year, the Naples school community approved a capital project to construct a new bus loop in front of the Elementary School. Because the wellbeing of students is always at the forefront of decision-making, a special focus was placed on designing a much safer pick-up and drop-off area. However, although the architects did their very best to honor the existing bus loop footprint, it quickly became apparent that it was simply not possible to make the area safer without removing a number of trees in order to modify the design of the space.
While the trees have helped the school property to shine aesthetically, many of them have also served as memorials to special NCS students and staff members who have passed away over the years. Because NCS recognizes the significance of the situation, a group of staff members as well as community members met over the winter to provide thoughts on how to move forward in a thoughtful and respectful manner. After much discussion, the group made the following recommendations:
- Walk the grounds to identify each of the memorial trees with current as well as retired NCS teachers and administrators
- Re-locate smaller trees to an area near the UPK/K playground
- Plant a new memorial tree after the completion of the capital project with a plaque listing the names of the individuals connected to the original trees
- Place a bench near the new memorial tree made from the wood of an original tree
- Hold a ceremony for families once the new memorial tree is planted
Please know that we all recognize what the memorial trees have meant to our community over the years, and that we are committed to moving forward in a caring way. If you have questions about the memorial trees or suggestions for remembering NCS students or staff members who have passed away, please do not hesitate to call or email (585-374-7901, mfrahm@naplescsd.org).
Sincerely,
Matt Frahm, Superintendent
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