One School at a Time: Concord Intermediate wins Martin’s grant

ELKHART, Ind. (WNDU) - Ask any kid their favorite part of the day, and the answer will likely be, “Recess!”

At Concord Intermediate, there’s a fifth-grade class that really looks forward to time on the playground.

They just won a $1,000 One School at a Time grant from Martin’s Super Markets.

The students are working on a special project that will help all kids at their school enjoy recess time.

“It’s a time we get to talk to our friends and just have fun. Because in class we can’t really do that,” said Mykayla Edwards, a 5th grader.

Mykayla and her classmates are motivated to make sure everyone is in on the fun, thanks to the Leader in Me, a school wide program that builds leaders.

“Instead of the teachers leading, the students are kind of in charge,” explained teacher Kelly Yoder. “And what we have are called Action Teams.”

“Our class decided to think of a project that could make other people happy,” said Jimmy Read, 5th grader. “With the check that you gave us, we’re going to buy equipment so that kids with disabilities can also play on our playground.”

The kids were thrilled when WNDU showed up with the big check.

“I was very excited. Like, we were all very happy,” said Edwards.

The kids are proposing changes to the playground surface and equipment.

“Right now, people in wheelchairs- they can only play on our blacktop. I’m guessing they don’t want to play on that every single day. They also want to play on our playground, but they can’t because we have mulch. And the wheelchairs don’t go through that well,” said Read.

The way these kids think of others is impressive.

“I’m very proud. I think it’s amazing what they’ve come up with. The compassion they have and it’s not about me it’s about what can we do for everyone in the school so that everybody feels the same joy that they do when they’re at recess,” said Yoder.

“For him to just be a kid just like the other kids because of that …that’s huge. That’s a really big deal,” said Courtney Boots, a mother with special knowledge of kids with disabilities.

Boots’ son Henry has special needs. She says the efforts of these 5th graders will have a lasting impact.

“I don’t think those kids will fully know how much an opportunity that gives kids like my son,” said Boots.

Keeping recess fun for everyone.

If you would like to nominate your school for a One School at a Time grant, just click here for the entry form: One School at a Time - Nominate Your School (wndu.com)

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