submitted by Toni Dolan
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to look out over a playground where children were laughing and playing peacefully and staff were observing and encouraging active play without having to raise their voices and use whistles to signal negative behaviors? This is now close to the reality at Berlin Elementary School. With funding through a PEP Grant managed by PE Teacher Sandy Honsinger and the introduction of the Peaceful Playground Program, as well as support from teachers, staff and the BES PTO, children came back to school to find a brand new playground and fitness area waiting for them to explore.
Outdoor Fitness Center
According to Principal Colvin, “The playground is an essential part of any school and every community. The installation of new equipment, the outdoor fitness area, refurbishing of the tennis courts and introduction of the Peaceful Playground Program is something that everyone can use and be proud of. This program was designed to serve both the community and the school, and since the end of August many children and families have come to BES to occupy themselves with what the new playground has to offer.”
Sandy Honsinger added, “It is a community and school playground that has pieces to improve and emphasize experiential and fitness activity that is kid friendly and fun. It is going to be used as a means to increase the number of minutes students are physically active and the educational benefits of physical activity. In addition an outdoor fitness facility has been installed for community use. It is truly an environment for the entire family to be active and connected.”
Bring your family to BES to try the new playground together. To learn more about the Peaceful Playground Program visit the website at www.peacefulplaygrounds.com.
