A few improvements have been made to the AE/MS playground over the summer, and more will follow.

Students will notice right away that the zip line has been fixed! It had been frozen in one place, but Jerry Riel, AE/MS custodian, took apart the element and replaced the stuck wheels with skateboard wheels. Now it flies across!

A tether ball game has now been installed to the left of the swing set. Twenty cubic yards of playground chips have been delivered and were spread before students arrived.

A Gaga Ball pit may be the next addition. Gaga Ball is a fun and competitive game that anyone can play, regardless of age. Gaga Ball is played in an octagon or hexagon structure. The object is to hit, or slap, the ball (not throw it) into another player’s leg. It must hit at the knee or below to get someone out. It is almost like dodge ball, but with boundaries and a wooden structure to bounce balls off of, adding an additional element of fun. Many AE/MS students have played it at summer camps and brought it to our attention. Check it out at TinyURL.com/Beacon-Gaga.

In August, eighth grade students helped to inflate new balls and load up the playground cart. There are new foam discs, ring toss games, and sidewalk chalk.

Of course, imagination is still a big part of recess, and you won’t find that on the playground cart. There is sand to play in, fairy houses on site, and the opportunity to just run.

Students have many original games they create and play. Traditional kickball, basketball, and soccer are always popular, depending on the season. Touch football is played by older students, and tag is always part of recess.

All students, kindergarten through eighth grade, have recess at AE/MS. It is very important to get outside, get fresh air, exercise, and play. Performance in the classroom is improved by regular exercise. It is only the rare cold, wet, or icy day that keeps students in for recess.