Dear Mrs. Buffett,

Thank you for your continued efforts in mobilizing a very real playground venture for our school and a committed group to make it happen!

The advantages of such a playground are in fact greater than simply the advantages that "free play" provides. We are looking at a structure that will be used by countless children on a daily basis, during school hours and beyond, to facilitate and promote physical activity.

These pieces of equipment allow for exploring, challenging, strategic, and confidence-boosting experiences that will allow children to be successful. This feeling of success and accomplishment is the foundation for children to advance through the physical world.

The playground will undoubtedly become part of the phys ed curriculum (and quite possible the curriculum of other school subjects as well). The phys ed curriculum is divided into 5 main areas (Basic Movement p-3, Active Living 4-6, Alternative Environments, Dance, Educational Gymnastics, and Skill Development).

I count the following number of Specific curriculum outcomes that COULD be applied on the playground....

Grades                  Outcomes

p-1              14
2-3              13
4                    9
5                 10
6                    9

As you can see, such a playground would be a benefit for the students 
at St. Stephen's and I very much look forward to the experiences with 
our students.

Jacques Boudreau

Physical Education Teacher

St. Stephen’s Elementary School