For the past 40 years, the “Old Schoolhouse” at Kola Kole Park in Kingston has been home to the children, parents and teachers of Kingston Cooperative Preschool. Hundreds of students started their educational careers within the historic building, rejoicing in the opportunity to meet new friends, enrich their minds and pull the rope to ring the old school bell hanging high above.
Recently, the school received some much-needed improvements. Last year, Kitsap County replaced all the windows on the first floor, which dramatically improved energy efficiency and gave the preschool a fresh new look as sunlight brightened the classrooms.
But with the new windows came the need for added security at the school. In the new millennium, educational institutions are faced with preparing procedures in the event of a “lock-down” situation, one in which the children, teachers and parents may need to establish a safe haven within the school building. A major part of this plan is ensuring that potential threats cannot see into the building to find out where everyone is located.
With 15 huge new windows to cover, the job was going to be big and expensive – a tough task for a non-profit school such as Kingston Co-op Preschool. But Budget Blinds of Poulsbo came to the rescue. Nathan Mann, local owner of Budget Blinds, worked with the preschool to provide quality mini-blinds at below cost. Plus, his team volunteered to install the window coverings at no charge.
“When Kingston Co-op Preschool approached us with their situation, we wanted to do as much as we could to help make the kids safe,” explained Mann. “The windows are so big, custom blinds were their only option.”
In addition to improving safety, the blinds further increase energy efficiency and provide the extra bonus of eliminating KCP teacher Miss Debbie’s “blindness” during circle time on the days when the sun is shining through.
”We are very thankful Budget Blinds stepped up to help Kingston Co-op Preschool,” said Greg Platz, past president of the preschool. “Without their expertise and knowledge, I’m not sure we would have found a cost-effective, quality product to solve our problem. It’s nice to partner with a local business that is committed to child safety.”
Kingston Co-op Preschool is a non-profit, equal-opportunity program affiliated with Olympic College. Since 1965, the preschool has enriched the lives of generations of local children by providing an environment where they can learn through play. For enrollment information, call the preschool at (360) 297-3220.
Budget Blinds of Poulsbo has a new showroom at the Brock’s Commons building located near Central Market.
