MANCHESTER – Students at Whiting Elementary School cheered as their brand-new playground was officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Principal Swift, Superintendent Pedroza, Head of Buildings and Grounds Chris Brown, and Wilma the Wildcat, the school mascot.
The new equipment replaces a 25-year-old structure that had undergone numerous repairs before being deemed unsafe. The updated play area features colorful district-themed designs, multiple slides, including a popular enclosed slide, and the return of swings.
As part of the celebration, a schoolwide contest determined which classes would be the first to try the playground. Cafeteria staff tracked behavior at lunch and recess, and the winning classes – led by Mrs. Baranyay and Mrs. Gould – got the first chance to explore the play space.
Principal Swift noted that playtime is essential to learning, quoting Fred Rogers: “Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.”
School officials said the new playground will provide safe, fun opportunities for building friendships and memories for years to come.
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