The Perry Elementary Center PTO has begun plans for a playground expansion.
When Perry Elementary Center was built in 2014, Hamburg School Board asked the PTO to raise the money for the playground.
“In our district, Perry Elementary Center is where our special needs students attend. We are looking to purchase equipment for our student body, some of which will have features that will be designed for our special needs students. The estimates have come in at $62,000 for our expansion which we would like to build the summer of 2017,” said Perry Elementary Center PTO fundraising chair Yvonne Stitzel.
PTO hosted a bingo fundraiser last year that Stitzel said was very successful, so they decided to raise the money and expand the playground.
“We figured once we had some money in reserve for the playground we’d might as well work on expanding it because it could be bigger for all of those kids. Also the playground is open after school and weekends til dusk to the community.”
There are a total of 380 students in grades kindergarten through fifth enrolled at the center. Two classes at a time go outside for recess, which is at least 120 students out playing at one time.
“Things are kind of limited. We have five swings and one handicap swing so they seem to fight over the swings a lot. We just wanted to put more out there so they would have more options,” said Stitzel.
The current playground was installed when the new school center was built in 2014. In addition to swings, there is a play structure, lunar burst, standing station and basket hoops. The expansion project will double the playground in size.
“We’d like to have another play structure, a sliding board for special needs students that has rails over the top and roller table so they can pull themselves through and we’re looking at two different swings that would allow more than one student to ride at one time and a see-saw,” said Stitzel.
The PTO is in the planning stages, holding committee meetings to determine what additional playground equipment will be included in the expansion project.
“We’re trying to narrow it down and trying not to duplicate anything that we have out there so far,” she said. “We want to make sure everyone can benefit from it.”
Perry Elementary Center Principal Andrea Berger said, “I think with the kids playing on the equipment they’re building muscles and using their energy. It gives them something to focus on instead of just kind of walking around. It also encourages cooperative play and sharing and taking turns and all of those skills we want to instill in the kids.”
Berger said another key part of the project is the safety. In addition to the playground equipment, they are looking at a safety mat of some type or rubber mulch.
“Those decisions haven’t been made yet but my understanding is that is just as expensive as the equipment sometimes,” said Berger. “So it’s more than just the equipment.”
Fundraising efforts this year include a Believe Kids Fundraiser conducted by students which raised almost $8,000.
“They did a great job with that,” said Stitzel.
Currently, the PTO is holding a Valentine Candygram fundraiser with Godiva chocolates. If all sold, the candygrams will raise about $1,000.
A Coach/Vera Bradley Bingo and Raffle will be held at the Hamburg Fieldhouse on April 17. Doors open at 11 a.m. Bingo starts at 1 p.m. Raffle items will called after 3 p.m. There are more than 75 raffle items. PTO is still looking for raffle items, donations and volunteers. Tickets are available by calling Stitzel at 484-955-6267 at 9 a.m. on Feb. 29. Stitzel noted that every Coach or Vera Bradley bag gets a sponsor so the PTO has no cost for the fundraiser.
“We watch when they’re on sale and we pass those savings on to the people who sponsor them,” said Stitzel. “Without the community we wouldn’t be able to pull that off.”
Their goal is to raise $15,000 to $20,000. Last year’s event raised $13,900.
“And it’s the support of the community and the donations that we’ve received that allows us to be able to raise that much money for the kids so I think it’s really important to note that there is a community support here at Perry Elementary which is wonderful and a very strong PTO core that really have the students’ best interests at heart and want to do good things for the kids,” said Berger.
Also, Berger said there is a lot of community involvement during the playground installation. The school will hold a community build during which community members and parents will be able to help with the installation.
Stitzel said PTO is always looking for parents to get involved.
“I know it’s hard for people to come out in the evening but we try to keep meetings to one hour once a month. We definitely encourage more people to attend to find out what’s going on and to help where they can. We understand there’s other things going on but any little help is appreciated,” said Berger. “It’s all about the students.”
PTO hosts book fairs, family events, author visits, educational assemblies and field day.
“I think it’s important for the home and school connection so that the kids understand that we’re all working together,” said Berger. “We’re working together with the community so it’s one big happy family… it shows that we all have the same goal in mind, which is the student.”
Berger noted that anyone who wants to work with students needs to submit clearances to the school and be approved by the school board. Clearances are free and there is an online link to complete the clearances.
The next Perry Elementary Center PTO meeting will be held on Feb. 10 at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are held the second week of the month.