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School committee accepts $7,500 donation for gaga pit and trees at Jackson Street School in memory of student
Summary
Friends and family of the late student Daniel Esrick raised $7,500 to fund a gaga pit and shade trees at Jackson Street School; the committee approved the gift May 8 and trustees plan installation and a report back to the committee.
Northampton — The Northampton School Committee voted May 8 to accept a $7,500 donation to install a gaga pit and plant trees at Jackson Street School in memory of former student Daniel Esrick.
Addie (last name not provided), who organized the fundraising with friends and family, described the donors’ ties to the school and to Esrick. "This proposed donation is to build a gaga pit and to plant trees at Jackson Street School in memory of our friend, Dan Wesrich," Addie said. She said friends who grew up with Esrick and his parents raised funds to pay for the pit, two trees and — if funds remain — an additional gift to the school.
Committee members and former Jackson Street staff recalled Esrick playing on the school playground and said the gift would provide a permanent, child‑centered amenity. Member Agna made the motion to accept the donation; Member Miller seconded. The committee approved the gift by unanimous roll call.
The school will coordinate installation and tree planting with facilities staff and provide a short report to the committee after work is completed. Donors said family members, some of whom live near the school and bring grandchildren to the playground, intended the gift to give future students the same play opportunities.
