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The Hillside Learning & Behavior Center West (Hillside) playground equipment is HERE! The equipment especially adapted for special needs students was the dream of the staff and parents of the Hillside students. “We expect to have over 75 people involved in the project from beginning to end including young adult students, families, community members, businesses and school staff,’ sates Robin Melvin, Hillside Principal. “We are excited about the expanded opportunities this new playground will bring for our kids as so much is learned by children through play.” A little over $20,000 was raised through fundraisers by Hillside kids, families/friends and staff (pizza sale, auctions, etc.), as well as donations, memorials, and two motorcycle runs. The AAESA Board of Education matched the funds giving a little over $41,000 to buy the playground equipment. “The structure will be ramped to allow for kids in wheelchairs to explore the activities”, shares Melvin. “There will be a lot of new swings coming, slides and other fun pieces of equipment.” BUT, now it needs to be put together. Therefore, the week of April 28th, there is a need for volunteers (18 and older) to “put the nuts and bolts together” to prepare for installation. Then on Friday, May 2nd (8:30 –noon), and Saturday, May 3re (8 – done), volunteers are needed to prepare the site and install playground equipment and furniture.
“This playground effort shows what can happen when parents, the school staff, and the Board of Education all work together, state Mark Dobias, AAESA Superintendent. “The children will reap the benefit for years to come.” Hillside is a school for students with special needs, operated by the Allegan Area Educational Service Agency (AAESA), serving all of the students in Allegan, Fennville, Glenn, Hopkins, Martin, Otsego, Plainwell and Wayland. For more information and to volunteer, call the Hillside Learning & Behavior Center at 269.673,2167, or the contacts listed above |
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