By

Shelley Malone,   S. S. Dixon Intermediate School

Play:

Topics:

Success with Funds

We used our FUTP 60 Funds this year to enhance our playground so that teachers and students would want to use it more often. Students report that they enjoy recess play now that there is more to do. In addition to the recess equipment that already exists, we used our FUTP 60 Funds to purchase bases, balls, jump ropes, water jugs, and resilient surface. Students now organize games at recess that we play in PE. This allows students to run and play actively more often throughout the day. Teachers report increased attention from students as a result of more outdoor play. Many students who never had a chance to play together before now enjoy recess as more classes utilize our "newly refurnished" playground. Parents tell us how happy they are that their child is able to enjoy recess during class time in addition to their scheduled PE time every day. All in all, our playground rejuvenation has been a success!

How do you plan to make this Play last during the school year and beyond?

Our plan to keep this Play going is to continuously update the equipment that we use for recess. Students will enjoy a variety of activities using new equipment and games that we teach at PE.

What improvements have you seen at your school?

The improvements that we have seen at our school include: increased attention and focus in the classroom, increased test scores, and higher overall morale.

How did students and adults work together as a team?

Students discussed which games they would like to be able to play at recess and provided information about the lack of water available outside.