The Story
AN IDEA INSPIRED BY STUDENTS
Slate Creek Elementary (USD 373) is home to the severely-multiply disabled (SMD) classroom for the entire Harvey County Special Education Cooperative, so, SMD students from Newton, Hesston and Halstead attend school here from Kindergarten through 6th grade. SMD students may use mobility devices, such as a wheelchair.
Slate Creek puts all students and staff together in “family groups” where they play, interact and communicate with one another on a regular basis. One area the family groups cannot play all together is on the playground. The existing playground equipment does not allow for mobility devices or accommodate certain special needs.
In the spring of 2021, Slate Creek students raised $20,000 for inclusive equipment with no promises of physical prizes or trinkets. As a building, staff and students agreed to raise funds for a playground simply because it was the right thing to do.
A CAMPAIGN IS LAUNCHED BY THE SLATE CREEK PTO AND THE CENTAL KANSAS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
In early 2023, Slate Creek Elementary PTO along with the Central Kansas Community Foundation announced the launch of “All Together Now,” a fundraising campaign to raise the remaining $280,000.
“The most exciting and motivating part of this project for me is building on the existing passion the kids have shown for making sure their classmates are included in recess fun. That inclusivity feels like a bedrock of strong humanity, to me, and that is one of the biggest hopes I have for my kids – that they will be able to consider what others need and put their energy toward helping,” parent leader Joanna Bjerum said.
Local donors and some civic organizations have begun contributing toward the inclusive playground effort, with the average contribution totaling around $20.
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LOCAL BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS LENDING THEIR SUPPORT
In March 2023, the Rotary Club of Newton and local businesses leaned in to provide additional expertise and financial support with the goal of helping to quickly reach the fundraising goal.
Photos from fundraising event
