ELC/Elementary Playground
On behalf of the District I would like to take the opportunity to Thank the Elementary PTO, parents and community members in helping to financially support the Early Learning Center (ELC)and Elementary playgrounds. Your contribution to this project will go far in making this project a more functional and safer environment for students.
Below is an outline of some of the more common questions we have received about the plans and progress of the ELC/ Elementary playground areas.
Why isn’t the school paying for this?
The Woodward-Granger School Board committed $35K towards the project in the summer of 2018. With this initial investment old equipment was taken out and new concrete poured for students to play on during winter months. This investment expensed $28K of this investment. The Board will continue to look at potential additional contributions towards this project as plans continue to take shape.
Why have the PTO fundraising dollars not been spent?
The PTO has been meeting with both the Elementary Principal Mr. Brummond and myself to inquire about plans to utilize the fundraising dollars. The lack of progress is no fault of the PTO’s but one that is undergoing investigation by the District from a capacity and demographics vantage point. This study is important to the master planning of the playground as a whole because of the long-term investment in placement of equipment and overall playground structures.
Is there a master plan? What’s included?
There is a concept of a master plan that includes added green space, alternative locations for equipment and an all-inclusive fence. However, this plan will not be finalized until the District has thoroughly reviewed data from a recent demographics study. Once the data is available the Board can make a decision on the long-term direction of the facility and a master playground plan will be completed.
Why is this process taking so long?
Because we want to get this right the first time around the process (which is based on demographic growth data) is being taken into consideration. This is causing a slight delay in the process but in the end we are confident the correct decision will be made.
Are we getting a fence on the ELC portion of the playground?
Yes, the conceptual plan calls for a fully fenced in playground. Dimensions will be determined as the amount of green space becomes more clearly defined.
What new equipment has been talked about?
Most recently basketball hoops and painting for the cement pad have been discussed. However, there are plans in the making for additional equipment, green spaces and additional play areas for students.
When can we expect to see progress?
Data from the District demographics study is scheduled to be in the hands of the District sometime in later March. Once an overall plan can be determined the PTO in combination with the District will move swiftly to try and secure needed bids for the summer of 2019. The goal is to have phase I of the project (however that is defined) finished for the start of school in August of 2019.
What can we do to help?
Keep supporting the PTO and know that the processes will be moving rather quickly this summer. If needed please volunteer your time to assist with any further PTO projects or fundraising efforts towards this monumental task.
If you have any further questions about this article please contact Brad Anderson, Superintendent at 515-999-8022 Ext. 1101 or at bradanderson@wghawks.school Thank you for your continued support.
YOU are invited to SPRING SIAC
On Tuesday April 16th from 6-8 p.m. in the Middle School/ High School media center (Woodward) the Woodward- Granger CSD will host its Spring School Improvement Advisory meeting. All community members are invited and encouraged to attend. During the meeting the community will be informed of the results of the Iowa Youth Survey, Anti Bullying and Harassment Task Force updates, be informed of the District’s Curriculum plans for the fall of 2019 and will delve into student achievement growth data for the 2018-2019 school year.
We encourage you to come out and provide your input on the direction you would like to see our district go as this information will be directly shared with the WG Board of Education. Thank you for your consideration and we hope to see you there!
Brad Anderson
Superintendent
