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Here's the first stab at a mind map.

Why kids need recess and exercise - CNN.com, 4.3.12

http://www.cnn.com/2012/04/03/health/diet-fitness/parenting-recess-kids/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

Does this look safe to you?

Safe Playgrounds

We deserve safe playgrounds!

Take a look this from NRPA. We qualify for some of those hazards. Here's the US Consumer Product and Safety Commission's Public Playground Safety Handbook. Again, we qualify because bottom line, our play area and equipment is unsafe.

Cross your fingers! I just sent our proposals, questions, cost comparisons and concerns to the powers that be at PUSD. It will be small steps, but we will get there as long as our parents have a strong voice and determination to help better our children's lives!

Lowe's Grant - for next year...

Something to shoot for next year!

I was looking at their grant criteria and came across the following:

Q: We would like to apply for the Large Toolbox grant for up to $100,000. How do we do that?

A: A special fund has been designated for parent group initiated improvement projects at public schools or school districts. Grants from $50,000 to $100,000 are available for a variety of school improvement projects at K-12 public schools such as, but not limited to, landscaping and grounds improvement, library or media center enhancement, science or specialty lab creation or upgrade, or parent education programs. All schools or districts applying for the Large Toolbox grant MUST apply online directly via the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation (LCEF) website. Review the introductory LCEF information and follow the "Continue" prompts at the bottom of each page until you come to the beginning of the application. Please note: In the project title blank, "Your Project Information", make sure you type "Large Toolbox for Education School request" AND your project title in this field. Again, grant requests from large schools or districts must be made online through the Charitable and Educational Foundation, NOT the Toolbox website. Completed applications must be received no later than February 10, 2012.

It's too late for this year, but maybe if we have our ducks in a row for next year, we could make a solid application!

- Lisa

Check out our first versions of our new playground

Proposal 1 - with a lovely, huge school garden on the lower playground:

Proposal 2 - transforming the Kinder playground into the school garden:

 Also, if you are curious what a freestanding ball toss looks like: