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Oct 30, 2024

BES breaks ground for installation of Inclusive Playground Equipment | Photos & Videos | malvern-online.com

Bismarck School is excited to announce they are adding Inclusive Playground Equipment to their elementary playground for children with disabilities. Special Education Administrative Assistant Crystie

Bismarck School is excited to announce they are adding Inclusive Playground Equipment to their elementary playground for children with disabilities.

Special Education Administrative Assistant Crystie Green shared the good news in the following statement:

“At Bismarck Public School, we believe inclusion matters. Research has shown that inclusive education has positive short-term and long-term effects for all students. Kids with special education needs who are in inclusive classes are absent less often. They develop stronger skills in reading and math. Inclusive education values diversity and unique contributions each student brings to the classroom.

“In a truly inclusive setting, every child feels safe and has a sense of belonging. The need for inclusion, however, doesn’t just stop in the classroom. Over the last few years, Bismarck has seen the need for a more inclusive campus rise, and in doing so, we have felt the call to meet our students’ needs.

“One need that has not gone unnoticed is the need for a more inclusive playground. Bismarck has many students who are wheelchair-bound, as well as students who have gravity insecurities and sensory issues; leaving them unable to utilize the current equipment on our playground.

“With the help of Reynolds Consumer Products, United Steel Workers Union Local 7972, Radius Aerospace and Entergy, along with various other contributions, Bismarck Elementary is making additions to its playground. One of the additions will be a two-bay ADA Combo Swing that will provide a molded swing seat, as well as a lock-in wheelchair swing.”

Special Education Supervisor Nancy Scott said former BSD Special Education teacher Chasity Brown got the ball rolling on this project last year when she applied for a grant from the Ross Foundation, which was awarded shortly after she left to accept employment with another district.

In addition to the grant and other contributions, Reynolds Consumer Products gave the school $3,500 for the effort, which was matched by members of United Steel Workers Local 7972. And to top it off, people associated with both organizations are volunteering to help with the tough task of installing the equipment on campus.

Scott and Green met with workers from Reynolds Consumer Products and United Steel Workers local 7972 yesterday at the elementary playground to break ground and pour concrete as part of Phase 1 of the installation, but they were able to get a great done due to a thoughtful plan beforehand, hard work and good communication.

“Thanks to the generous donations, ALL Bismarck students will soon have playground equipment they can enjoy together, regardless of ability. This new equipment will not only provide fun for all students but will also foster new friendships and a sense of belonging and acceptance between students with or without disabilities.”