Clinton Elementary plans inclusive playground
Rendering of proposed inclusive playground to be constructed at Clinton Elementary School.
Clinton City Director of Schools Kelly Johnson said the company Miracle won the bid in response to a request for proposal. She said as soon as equipment arrives, installation will begin. The bid was for $250,000.
“We’re at the mercy of the vendor,” she said. “When the equipment comes, we’re prepared to install it, but we are hopeful that it will be up and running by the beginning of next school year.”
She said the playground will go in the bottom parking lot area.
The school already has a new parking lot besides Wiggles and Giggles to replace that one.
She said the new playground will be all-inclusive, meaning much of its equipment will be easier for students with disabilities to enjoy.
“We have several kids that are currently at Clinton Elementary School that are in wheelchairs [who] ... have a difficult time accessing the kinds of playgrounds that we have,” Johnson said in an interview. She said she wasn’t sure when it would be finished.
She said there shouldn’t be any disruptions during construction because the school closes the back parking lot during the school day.
food drive
Johnson said the school system also is doing a Second Harvest Food Bank food drive.
The food bank provides backpacks full of food for about 150 students in Clinton City Schools who “don’t get meals at home or struggle to get the food that they need,” Johnson said.
The backpacks arrive in time for weekends and vacations.
“We want to give back to Second Harvest for them supporting our 150 students,” she said.
Students and community members can bring money to any of the Clinton City Schools’ front or central offices through Friday, April 4.
All proceeds collected will go to Second Harvest. Johnson made a video with the Blaze News Crew team for YouTube promoting the drive.
Award
Johnson congratulated Laura Roberts with Coordinated School Health at CES for winning the Coordinated School Health Staff Wellness Award for the state of Tennesssee.
“We definitely celebrate her in that honor,” said Johnson.
