North Park Elementary School Opens Newly Transformed State-of-the-Art Playlot

CHICAGO, IL, October 13, 2012 (Press-News.org) North Park Elementary School (NPES) recently introduced its new playlot on the city's north side at 2017 W. Montrose. As part as this private school's continuing initiative called "Wired for Fun," the school raised funds through parent and community contributions to re-vamp the previous playlot, which had consisted only of wood chips. The new lot transformed that space into a re-imagined state-of-the-art playlot featuring a sports court, stage area, climbing structures and a handsome art display. The new lot also provides a more secure environment where students of all ages can enjoy a host of activities that stimulate the senses while promoting physical health and creative play.

"Wired for Fun" was created to update the school's technological infrastructure and integrate the capabilities of the computer lab into everyday instruction. The initiative also established a long-range planning fund for future investments needed to meet the school's long-term goals. To reach these objectives, a playlot forum was held, a committee was formed, and the playlot initiative was launched.

"This is a place where kids can be active, have fun and learn— all at the same time. Teachers can also use the playlot's exercise and reading areas as teaching resources," said NPES Principal Lynn Lawrence. "We've always prided ourselves on using learning techniques that are unique and progressive to teach traditional academic classes. We're counting on the new playlot to give students another source of learning and to challenge them both physically and creatively."

"Strong parent involvement is a major factor in the success of NPES, and a good part of the funds raised came from parent donations," continued Lawrence. "The involvement and cooperation among students, parents and teachers is a true partnership that makes our school really work."

About North Park Elementary School
North Park Elementary School (NPES) is a private, non-sectarian, Pre-K-8 school with a proven record of academic excellence and a community that inspires lifelong learning. NPES engages every student in a comprehensive and academically challenging curriculum integrating the best elements of traditional instruction with experiential learning and the whole-child approach to ensure each child's intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth. With one class per grade and an average of 20 students per class, every student receives individual attention from the classroom teacher. Through the active involvement of parents and caring professional staff, the school fosters self-motivation, self-discipline, and confidence in every student. For more information, visit http://www.npeschool.org, http://www.npeschool.org/page/wired-for-fun or friend us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NorthParkElementarySchool.