At Falk Laboratory School, education isn’t just about academics—it’s about honoring each student’s unique interests and fostering creativity, recreation and community. We know there are countless valuable lessons to be learned through friendship and play, and we’re committed to building a learning environment that reflects that. 

“The big vision is to ensure that we have spaces for all types of play,” says Director Jill Sarada. While some students are eager to toss a football or chat with friends during their free time, others prefer a quiet space to read or the chance to invent a new game. 

Thanks to last year’s Pitt Day of Giving (PDoG), we’re well on our way to making this vision a reality. Falk supporters came together during PDoG 2025 to raise an incredibly generous $44,259—money that we’ve put toward new equipment for play and community-building at Falk. 

Using gifts from the Parents and Caregivers Endowed Fund for Enrichment, Falk’s WonderLab bought materials for a collaborative construction night. During the event, faculty and families built loose-parts play pieces, including life-sized Lincoln Logs and a large wooden cube that can be used as a slide, hideout or climbing wall during recess.

In keeping with Falk’s child-centered and inquiry-based mission, these materials allow students to design their own play and develop creative thinking skills in a fun, hands-on way. 

Thanks to gifts for the Building Renovation Fund, we were also able to transform the third-floor terrace into a gathering space where the Falk community can socialize and learn together. Historically underused due to its lack of furniture and sun protection, the terrace is now a go-to spot for student projects, painting on the Falk easels and even settling in for morning cocoa and crafts with families. 

Finally, with the help of donations to the Falk Fund, we purchased new soccer goals and basketball hoops to honor Falk’s aspiring athletes. 

With these improvements—and thanks to your generosity—we’re creating a learning environment where creativity and friendship flourish and where all students’ interests are valued.