The Plains Elementary School is working to ensure its students don’t encounter Jack’s problem of all work and no play by constructing a new playground.
At the beginning of this school year, former Chauncey Elementary students combined with Plains Elementary. Despite what seems to be a smooth transition, the school is in need of a new playground to accommodate the recent increase in students.
Half of the school’s original playground was torn down because of safety issues, and the remaining structure is not sufficiently fulfilling the school’s needs, said principal Linda Skinner.
Approximately 120 to 140 kids are out on the playground at one time — almost double the numbers from the last year — and students have to make do with only half a playground, Skinner said.
“We need more activities for them to do,” said Skinner.
The playground is one of the final steps in the transition of new students. The biggest transition for the school was transportation, Skinner said, adding that the school dealt with the increase by almost doubling its number of buses from six to 11.
According to Skinner, “We are in the complete beginning stages. The PTO has volunteered to raise money to put towards a new playground.”
This money will rely heavily on donations and sponsors. The Plains PTO and Skinner have set a budget of $60,000 for the upcoming project.
Currently, the PTO is selling Athens Bulldog magnets for $5 each to raise funds. Also, a T-shirt design contest is being held at the elementary. Students will submit their designs and teachers will select their favorites from the intermediate and primary grade levels to be turned into T-shirts that will be available for purchase.
Plains Elementary also participates in the Kroger Community Rewards Program and future fundraisers might include a chili dinner, a cookie dough sale and a “kiss the pig” fundraiser.
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