A new construction project is underway outside WAB’s Middle School building, and the result will be the product of a community-wide effort.
The brand-new playground area is under construction. Launched with the help of a gift from Parent Link, Middle School students – led by the Middle School Student Council – met with WAB teachers and administrators, parents, school facilities managers, and playground developers to communicate their different ideas and perspectives.
“The StuCo was methodical with the research, giving voice to the student body and making sure they were representing as many viewpoints as possible,” Principal Marina Frias said. “The main goal is to honor the need to be social and active.”
Because of the students’ input, the new playground area will have several dynamic climbing structures, swinging equipment, a big slide, green space, and social areas
“We conducted a survey with students, giving them multiple choices of what was going to be on the playground,” said Middle School Student Vice President Deviana S., a Grade 8 student. “We also met with the designers and architects who showed us a 3-D model of the playground. Lots of students are excited, specifically about the zip-line that’s going to be in the playground!”
This project was launched alongside other social and activity-based initiatives in the Middle School, including screen-free breaks, exploration of the new Learning Lab space, and our enhanced advisory program.
"There is a growing body of research showing the mind-body connection," said Middle School Counselor Regina Wehner.
"According to John J. Ratey, MD in his book Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, aerobic exercise physically remodels our brains for peak performance. The teenage brain is growing and changing at a rapid pace, making it even more important for them to move their bodies and learn how their mind and body are connected. The new MS playground is will give our students more options for ways to move their body and be ready to learn during class time."
Scroll down to see more photos, renderings, and plans for the new playground area.
