As an update to its 2020 Capital Improvements Infrastructure and Efficiency Plan, JP Schools celebrate the completion of 13 new playgrounds with a 14th underway. Providing healthy, safe and modern schools is a core priority to achieving the school district’s strategic plan, 2024: The Future our Kids Deserve. As a result, there is now a playground at every elementary school.

“To develop healthy minds, it’s essential that we also develop healthy bodies,” said Dr. James Gray, Superintendent for JP Schools. “Having a safe and inviting play structure gives students an opportunity to release energy and recharge their brains for learning.”

Students at Alice Birney Elementary enjoying the school's new playground

JP Schools has invested approximately $825,000 in playground improvements over the last year. The schools who received new playgrounds are Alice Birney, Bunche, Butler, Cherbonnier-Rillieux, Clancy-Maggiore, Collins, Hazel Park, Jefferson, Lincoln, McDonogh 26, Ruppel, Solis, G.T. Woods and Mildred Harris.

"Alice Birney students are thrilled to have a new playground! As adults, we know that physical activity helps to improve attention and decrease stress levels, which prepares us for learning," said Debbie Dantin, Principal Alice Birney Elementary School. Outdoor play also helps students to learn cooperation and social skills. Most importantly, our students say that our new playground makes playing FUN!"

Students at Alice Birney Elementary wave enthusiastically atop the school's new playground