Monthly Administrative Updates
October 2024 Administrative Update
by T'Hani Pantoja & Andrea Parker
Parkdale Principal & Assistant Principal
Playful Possibilities: A Playground for All Ages and Abilities
At Parkdale Elementary, we are fortunate to have two playgrounds; however, we have realized we need to expand to meet the diverse needs of all our students. Over the past four years, our school community has grown; adding five Universal Pre-Kindergarten classes and two additional special education classes, increasing enrollment by approximately 90 students. While we are excited by this growth, it has become evident that our current playground structures are not developmentally appropriate for our youngest students and those with disabilities. Although alternative play areas, such as sandbox and block areas, have been identified, we aim to provide more inclusive outdoor play opportunities.
A group of passionate parents and teachers formed to advocate for additional playground structures prioritizing safety, accessibility, and inclusivity for our youngest children and students with disabilities. Play is a critical aspect of all children's development, and it holds particular importance for younger children, whose learning processes differ significantly from those of older children. This is so widely recognized that it is even included in the Pre-K Standards.
The planned addition to our playground will incorporate several elements designed to promote emotional, language, and physical development. When children engage in play, they build self-confidence by conquering challenging structures, learning social skills like taking turns, and developing patience. They also have the opportunity to release emotions, especially those related to trauma. This emotional development in early childhood has long-lasting benefits.
Language development is closely tied to symbolic play. When children use one item to represent another, they often begin by using single words. As their play becomes more complex, they combine actions and words, eventually forming sentences. This connection between play and language development is essential for cognitive growth.
Moreover, playgrounds are ideal for children to hone gross and fine motor skills. They also offer sensory-rich experiences, such as swinging, spinning, observing various shapes and colors, and engaging with tactile elements like a sensory wall. Each of these areas of development was carefully considered in the design of our new playground addition.
In collaboration with our partners at Young and Wright Architectural and Parkitects Inc., we have designed an inclusive playground addition that promotes the holistic development of each child. The main structure will include a slide, sensory boards, and a dome for climbing and crawling. It will also feature two swivel seats and a sensory wall with components that encourage visual and tactile stimulation as well as problem-solving skills. To help promote auditory exploration, we’ve included musical elements like drums and bells and are planning a "Peaceful Pathway" along the outer sidewalk to promote conflict resolution. One of the most exciting features will be a communication board, enabling non-verbal students and those learning to speak to communicate with others on the playground, fostering inclusivity and collaboration.
The total cost for the initial playground addition is $125,000. Thanks to the generous support of the East Aurora Educational Foundation, which has pledged $32,300 to kick-start our efforts, we are on our way to making this vision a reality. The not-for-profit Friends of Parkdale, led by Parkdale PTO President Sarah Orcutt, will handle all donations. This is truly a community effort; every contribution—no matter the size—makes a difference.
In addition to direct donations, the Parkdale PTO has graciously offered 100% of the proceeds from the Fall Fest Basket Raffle on October 10th to the Friends of Parkdale. We will also host several other fundraising events throughout the year. You can donate directly by scanning the QR code below. We deeply appreciate your generosity. Your support will have a lasting impact on the lives of our students and our entire community. Thank you for helping to bring this project to life.
