These Mountain students were the first ones to try out the new climbing wall. Photo by Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.com
A Mountain student shows off her balancing skills on the new ‘surfboard.’ Photo by Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.comBy BONNIE J. GORDON
Los Alamos Daily Post
The students of Mountain Elementary School could barely contain themselves April 25 as they gathered with staff to cut the ribbons and officially open new playground equipment.
The school is paying to replace a climbing wall deemed a safety hazard due to age. The PTA bought additional equipment to go with the climber, like balance boards, spring pods and a Buddy Bench with funds raised through events and donations. The PTO contributed $5,000 toward purchasing the new equipment.
Mountain students Lucy Andres and Ryan Kornreich cut the ribbon, officially opening the new climbing wll. Photo by Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.comStudents worked hard to help raise funds for the equipment, too. Activities such as Mountain’s Fun Run involve the students in raising funds to improve the school. The students help decide how the money will be spent, Mountain PTA Treasurer Kristen Kucko said. Next year, a new project will be chosen.
A few lucky students got to try out the equipment to demonstrate it, but most kids had to wait until the next recess to get their chance.
Samuel Carmer and Sophie Griffith cut the ribbon to officially open the Buddy Bench to Mountain students. Photo by Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.comOne unique addition to the Mountain playground is the Buddy Bench. The special bench is designed to help students find a playmate during recess. If someone wants to play, but doesn’t have someone to play with, the student sits on the bench. Other students can then invite the student on the bench to play.
Principal Jennifer Guy addresses the Mountain student body Monday at the dedication of the new playground equipment. Photo by Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.comMountain Principal Jennifer Guy thanked PTO representatives President Jane Lin and Treasurer Kristen Kucko. She also thanked groundskeeper Fabian Atencio for his work in helping select the equipment and directing its installation.
“Fabian was an instrumental part of this project,” Guy said. “He was there from start to finish.”
