Welcome to the "All Play the Byck Way"
School Playground Project!  
Build Date: 05/01/08
Welcome to our home page!  We're so glad you dropped by.  We are so excited to have met with Metro Councilwoman Judy Green on March 31, 2008. Ms. Green was accompanied by her assistant, Ms. Jackson. They loved our school and want to support this project. But we need to do our part as well. Come back often to check on our progress, learn about fundraising activities, and how you can volunteer to help us make the kids' dream a reality!

 THE BUILD HAS BEEN COMPLETED!!!!

We are thrilled to report that we received a $4500 KaBOOM!/Home Depot grant which got the momentum going. We then were able to work with Landscape Structures and Billy Worden to create a much needed playspace for the students. We called this PHASE I. It consists of 4 swings, 2 tire swings, a standing 2 person see-saw and a climbing board. Our playground chair, Kassi, was then able to procure a generous $5800 donation from The Cralle Foundation, a local non-profit that assists the children in Louisville. Once they stepped up, Hometown Sonic pitched in another $500. WOW! Our students, teachers, staff, families all rallied and purchased brick pavers for our "Walk of Hope" pathway that will lead to our 7 raised bed garden area (to be started this fall). They also helped by donations and participation in a portrait sale and Spring Fling! Once we smoothed the way with the school system on what our final plans were and little hiccup over borders and mulch, the playground build was a go! It took just three days for us to build. Once built we had a small, student only, dedication and let the play commence on the last day of school, May 25, 2008.

 
Myrdin was recognized as a PLAYMAKER OF THE MONTH.
check it out!!!!!

UPDATE

Here it is, July 30, and we have a special event planned on August 5th. Here's the scoop:
Kassi (Playground Chair/PTA board member VP Ways and Means) and Myrdin (PTA President) will appear on the local ABC affiliate, WHAS 11, at 12:10pm, Monday, August 4th, to discuss the build and event. The event is paired with Byck's annual Ice Cream Social/Orientation. Guests will include Councilwoman Judy Green, Jim Crain representing The Cralle Foundation, Kate Rudd representing Hometown Sonic (who generously donated ice cream for the event), Billy Worden of Landscape Structures and staff from the Mayor's office. The Mayor has officially proclaimed this day as "All Play the Byck Way Day!". We will present KaBOOM! and Byck Certificates of support and recognition, KaBOOM! kazoos, keychains, tee shirts (THANKS BROOKE!!!!) and Byck Cougars. We will update with photos after the event. WOO HOO!

 
August 5, 2008 Day of Event!
How awesome was the ice cream social? Way awesome! Okay, so maybe we were a bit nervous when it kept raining, but by the time we went to cut the ribbon the skies were clear and the kids were ready to swing! Some highlights: Ice Cream donated by Hometown Sonic (thanks Kate Rudd), water and water bottles provided by Home Depot (thanks Rick Rankin and Joe Autry), a letter read by Brooke Pardue for Congressman JohnYarmuth recognizing our efforts on behalf of the children of Louisville, a proclamation from the Mayor, and last but certainly not least, the announcement that Louisville's Metro Government has allocated $30,000 towards our Phase II playground! Thank you Metro Councilwoman for District I Dr. Judy Green! One interview with the Courier Journal and WLKY 32 later.....

Our final thoughts on this phase of the project...awe and wonder. Our community really connected to make this project happen. But it isn't over yet. The $30,000 is a great starting place for us, but we still need to raise at least $20,000 more, just for Phase II! We also have a pre-k space that needs a lot of TLC and updating. Play is not a partisan issue. It is about making sure that children return to a healthy lifestyle. That they continue to be cooperative, creative and collaborative as they navigate through their day. A playground can help do that. Recess is a fundamental need, not an extra. Go to www.byckpta.org to learn more about our school and programs. Thanks again to everyone.

Now, turn off your computer and go outside and PLAY!