W. L. Swain students receive a playground for Christmas

Through various fundraising efforts over the last two years, W.L. Swain Elementary and its PTO, along with the support of the Gordon County Board of Education, was able to fund what they are calling Phase One of a new playground. The new equipment was installed while students were on break in December, and students were thrilled to return to school to find it.

“One of the many things I have wanted for the children at Swain has been a safe and exciting playground. I felt it was something our children deserved and had requested on numerous occasions. Without fail when teachers taught persuasive writing genre, I received countless letters from my students asking for a playground with many slides, and now they have it,” said Dr. Elizabeth Anderson, principal.

Students’ excitement echoed the various requests Dr. Anderson had received since the plan for a new playground was unveiled. “I do not like the new playground, I love it!! It’s safer, more fun, and better than the old one,” said McKinzie Garland, a third grader at Swain. Shiloh Hall, another student at Swain, liked the slides the most. “They are very fun and big!”

Teachers also shared in the pleasure of watching the students’ eagerness to try out the playground for the first time. “I love seeing the smiles as they line up to play on the ‘cool’ new playground,” said Swain teacher Laura Hall.

Dr. Anderson expressed her gratitude for all of the efforts by parents and students who worked diligently through two successful fundraisers, as well as all the staff and community members who helped with other fundraising events or made private donations.

With the completion of Phase One, Phase Two fundraisers will begin soon. Dr. Anderson encourages the community to stay tuned for some exciting new events to come this spring that will give everyone a way to support W. L. Swain Elementary School and have some family fun in the process. “It’s going to be epic.”