RC PTO initiates effort to purchase new playground equipment

by Peter Jakey, Managing Editor

Parents know the importance of the three R?s ? reading, writing and arithmetic. Rogers City Elementary School?s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) has added one more important R to that formula ? recess. The organization believes that time spent outside the classroom in play is so important that the group will be working with the board of education to try and improve or upgrade the existing playground equipment on the grounds. Superintendent Jamie Huber, at the October 12 school board meeting, said he had been in contact with the PTO and they?ve identified improvements to the playgrounds, ?as a need.?

The elementary has two playgrounds: one on the west side between the building and the tennis courts, while the other is on the church side. ?IF YOU?VE toured the elementary playground areas, I can definitely say that is an area of need,? said Huber. ?That is something the PTO and I will be getting together to come up with some concrete plans and bring that back to the board.? Huber said the property and facilities planning committee would work with the PTO on the budding project.

?Many teachers have requested that they would like some new playground equipment,? said Kristel Baller, PTO president. There is concern of splinters in some older equipment, such as a castle structure on the younger grade?s side, as well as rotting wood. ?We are hoping to get a $10,000 to $15,000 piece of equipment. We are

just looking to add where we can,? said Baller. Baller said playground equipment can be costly. The organization has some money left over from the last school year that they would like to combine with fundraising profits from this year and grants. There could be an added fundraiser as well, which could include a spaghetti dinner. They also are hoping service organizations can contribute as well. Baller also said the playground equipment ?makes a statement about the school.? PARAPROFESSIONAL ED LALONDE, who oversees recess activities five days a week believes some pieces of equipment need fixing as a first step.

Annette Vogelheim, another paraprofessional, believes the kids should have an old-fashioned sandbox. On Tuesday morning a handful of students played in a pile of sand on the playground. There is no sandbox to be seen. Baller said the PTO would like to bring in a new piece of equipment for the younger grades this year and another on the other side in the coming years. The PTO raises funds for education programs conducted throughout the school year. The next event is a week from tomorrow as they host a harvest carnival the day before Halloween.