Norwich — When city schools reopen Sept. 8, teachers will be encouraged to hold outdoor classes in good weather when possible, but many city schools do not have enough outdoor seating to accommodate the plan.

That’s a problem the Norwich Public Schools Education Foundation wants to help resolve. The private fundraising foundation, which in normal times raises money to provide grants to teachers for supplies and specific projects, has launched a fund drive to purchase about 100 picnic tables — hoping to place 10 tables outside each city school.

Foundation President Mark Cook said the tables can be used for mask breaks as well as outdoor classes.

“Wondering what YOU can do to help our Norwich kids safely return to school in these uncertain times?” the fundraising promotion states. “How about donating toward purchasing picnic tables to help our students and staff SAFELY return to school this fall?”

The foundation states that all donations into the COVID-19 Reopening Campaign will be donated to Norwich Public Schools for picnic tables, with a goal of 10 tables placed outside each school building. Donors who contribute the full amount of a table, $199, can choose to designate a person or group to honor with a plaque on the table.

“The cost to reopen our schools comes at a heavy cost, and NPS leadership is finding creative ways to minimize that financial impact,” the fund drive request stated. “Your help and support in the process is greatly appreciated.”

Donations can be made at npseducationfoundation.org/donate or checks can be made out payable to NPSEF and sent to: NPS Ed. Foundation, 90 Town St., Norwich, CT 06360.

c.bessette@theday.com