An Elementary School Without A Play Structure
Donation protected
"Dad, why doesn't our school get to have a play structure like all the other schools?"
-a kindergarten aged student who was overheard asking her parent.
This is the current reality for one school in our town of Renfrew, Ontario. Central Public School had to put out a notice early this summer that their only schoolyard play structure would have to be dismantled because it was no longer considered safe (as deemed by the appropriate RCDSB dept after yearly inspection) for children to play on . The climber was older, constructed of wood, and getting tired, but it was much loved by students over its many years in the yard (see pictures above!).
Fundraising was initiated by the school council (which is comprised of staff members and parents), a couple of years ago in planning towards the inevitable need of a new structure, but some challenges have been faced including school demographics and the restriction of any fundraising efforts by county schools since covid 19. Central and its students have now run out of time with their beloved play place.
My son (age 10) and I overheard the above question by a younger child to her parent one day recently, and it prompted a deeper conversation between us. My son expressed sadness that this little girl and, "all of the kids in the junior yard wouldn't have a play structure like I did" when he was their age, but he also then realized and said, "Mom the bigger kids don't have one either to play on. You know like when we go to other schools sometimes and they have them in the little and big kids yards".
He then, with his beautiful little caring heart asked if he could donate his spending money and we could buy some play structures to donate to the school. I can't tell you how much I wish that we were in a position to do just that, and I loved the light in his eyes with this idea and his eagerness to help. So it got me thinking that maybe if I reached out, together as a community we could make this happen❤
No amount is too small to make a difference. Parents, grandparents, family, friends, neighbours, community, businesses, service groups, no matter what school you or yours support or attend I urge you to help if you can. No children should have to feel left behind in basic fundamental school experiences. And as research clearly supports, recess and free play that naturally incorporates exercise is so very important to their physical and mental well being.
Parents and guardians I challenge you to talk to your children and teens about this initiative and encourage their participation in helping. Even young kids can be so creative and feel proud to help! And highschool students, Central school alumni, give them an opportunity to show their caring and compassion in helping area children and a local school!
It needs to be stated here again that fundraising has not been allowed within RCDSB schools over the last year due to covid 19. My son has not been a student in class or online during this time (was withdrawn for homeschooling), so we are currently not affiliated and this measure is ours alone and independent from Central PS and RCDSB.
They, Central Public School's sole involvement is as the beneficiary.
Goal: To raise money for Central Public School to be able to purchase outdoor play structure equipment
100% of funds will be directed to:
Central Public School
140 Munroe Ave. E.
Renfrew, ON
K7V 3K4
In trust of their school council
cen.rcdsb.on.ca
-> If cheque is your preferred method of donation please message organizer for further information
*Meticulous accounting records of donations will be kept for transparency and for the school to alleviate any extra work on their behalf.
-a kindergarten aged student who was overheard asking her parent.
This is the current reality for one school in our town of Renfrew, Ontario. Central Public School had to put out a notice early this summer that their only schoolyard play structure would have to be dismantled because it was no longer considered safe (as deemed by the appropriate RCDSB dept after yearly inspection) for children to play on . The climber was older, constructed of wood, and getting tired, but it was much loved by students over its many years in the yard (see pictures above!).
Fundraising was initiated by the school council (which is comprised of staff members and parents), a couple of years ago in planning towards the inevitable need of a new structure, but some challenges have been faced including school demographics and the restriction of any fundraising efforts by county schools since covid 19. Central and its students have now run out of time with their beloved play place.
My son (age 10) and I overheard the above question by a younger child to her parent one day recently, and it prompted a deeper conversation between us. My son expressed sadness that this little girl and, "all of the kids in the junior yard wouldn't have a play structure like I did" when he was their age, but he also then realized and said, "Mom the bigger kids don't have one either to play on. You know like when we go to other schools sometimes and they have them in the little and big kids yards".
He then, with his beautiful little caring heart asked if he could donate his spending money and we could buy some play structures to donate to the school. I can't tell you how much I wish that we were in a position to do just that, and I loved the light in his eyes with this idea and his eagerness to help. So it got me thinking that maybe if I reached out, together as a community we could make this happen❤
No amount is too small to make a difference. Parents, grandparents, family, friends, neighbours, community, businesses, service groups, no matter what school you or yours support or attend I urge you to help if you can. No children should have to feel left behind in basic fundamental school experiences. And as research clearly supports, recess and free play that naturally incorporates exercise is so very important to their physical and mental well being.
Parents and guardians I challenge you to talk to your children and teens about this initiative and encourage their participation in helping. Even young kids can be so creative and feel proud to help! And highschool students, Central school alumni, give them an opportunity to show their caring and compassion in helping area children and a local school!
It needs to be stated here again that fundraising has not been allowed within RCDSB schools over the last year due to covid 19. My son has not been a student in class or online during this time (was withdrawn for homeschooling), so we are currently not affiliated and this measure is ours alone and independent from Central PS and RCDSB.
They, Central Public School's sole involvement is as the beneficiary.
Goal: To raise money for Central Public School to be able to purchase outdoor play structure equipment
100% of funds will be directed to:
Central Public School
140 Munroe Ave. E.
Renfrew, ON
K7V 3K4
In trust of their school council
cen.rcdsb.on.ca
-> If cheque is your preferred method of donation please message organizer for further information
*Meticulous accounting records of donations will be kept for transparency and for the school to alleviate any extra work on their behalf.
Any outside donations will be added to the GoFundMe summary.
Organizer and beneficiary
Jennifer Crozier
Organizer
Renfrew, ON
Central Public School
Beneficiary