Callander Kids Built Their Own Playground
Below is a article that was written about the activities of M.T. Davidson in 2006.
Well, they are not using power tools, or digging holes, but all students from Jr. Kindergarten to grade 8 have written a book to raise funds to build a new playground at M.T. Davidson Public School.
"There is MUD in my Playground!" is not just the title of their new book; it is a fact! The school playground was ripped out two years ago because it was deemed unsafe, leaving Callander kids with only one set of monkey bars and a few tires to play on.
Filled with stories collectively written by each class at M.T.D, the Committee hopes the book will raise $10,000 for the Playground Fund. The target goal of the Committee is to raise $60,000. The fund currently holds just over $30,000.
The Committee has been diligently raising funds since the fall of 2002 because they believe the students deserve a place to laugh and slide, to fill their lungs with fresh air, to build strong bodies, and strong friendships.
"The school building is where students learn to think, solve problems and cooperate with each other. A playground is where they strengthen all of that. They need both to have balance."
All of the children accepted the book writing/fundraising challenge with great enthusiasm and excitement. The childrens involvement in the project helped them reach a common goal of collectively writing and promoting a book, which in turn enabled them to take an active part in building their schools playground - a legacy that will be left for so many children for so many years to come.
The faculty made the writing of the stories, part of this years curriculum which was completed as a group effort. The teachers and all of the students in each class worked together to come up with story lines, plots, and character descriptions. Once the stories were developed and written, they were then handed into the Playground Committee, where many volunteer hours went into further refining the characters, illustrations and design lay-out of the book.
The books will be offered for sale at M.T. Davidson School, some local and area merchants and through the students of M.T.D
.John Dunscombe, Principal M.T. Davidson, said "This is a project that the whole school is very proud of. It has enriched the students minds and raised the spirit of the school. We would like to think that it is the first of many books to come. We are already planning out what theme to work on next year; maybe a science lab if we are done with the playground."
"The thought of seeing their own work in actual published print has inspired our students to think of themselves as real authors. They now feel confident enough to face a blank page and know that they, too, can fill it with meaningful and creative ideas." (M.T.D. English teachers)
"For the last few years, literacy has been a primary focus at M.T.D. Having all of the students involved in the writing of "There is MUD in my Playground" has been an amazing experience; they have been given the opportunity to play a key role in what has proven to be both an exciting and a practical application of their writing skills." (M.T.D. Literacy Committee)
"It was really fun making the book. My friends are very excited; we all cant wait to see it. This was great!" (Cole Renaud – Grade 2)
"Its awesome! It was one of the best projects that we have worked on so far this year! We got to work together as one big group to make a story and publish a book!"Rebecca Grasser - Grade 4
"It was a great project because we all worked together to make money for our playground."
Jake Grasser - Senior Kindergarten
"I am so proud of the students and the committee! Never before have I worked on such a fun and creative fundraising initiative. The children are so excited about being authors and taking an active role in helping to raise money for their new playground. It has been a great experience for everyone involved."
Mark Blackall - Playground Committee Chair
M.T. Davidson Public School is extremely grateful and wishes to thank all of the local and area Businesses, Service Clubs, Community Members, and Playground Fundraising Committee Members who have generously donated their time and funds towards the publishing costs of "There is MUD in my Playground". Without you this project would not have been possible.
Mac Bain and Family
Dave and Genny Blackall
Mark and Colleen Blackall
Brewskys North Bay
Callander Legion Branch # 445
Callander Lions Club
Cosy Cove Cottages
Creative Impressions
Edgar Poulin Construction and Rental Ltd.
E & J Developments
Esso Paul Lizotte Fuels Ltd.
Nancy Herdman
Kinsmen Club of North Bay
La Piaza Pizza
Merlex Engineering Ltd.
Near North Youth Activities C/O Francine Wright
New Wingate Charities (In Trust)
nickydesigns
Nipissing Forest Resource Management Inc.
NPW
Phoenix Restaurant
Muriel Poulin
TEMBEC
Ultimate Image Salon
Posted on: Dec. 08, 2008