Students, faculty members, board trustees and administrators gathered at Harley Avenue Primary School on May 3 for a special ribbon cutting ceremony to open a new school playground.

Donated by the Harley Avenue PTA and the Elwood Booster Club, the playground will serve as a new outdoor space for current students and generations to come. Through the fundraising efforts of both organizations and the support of the district, the playground quickly came to fruition. To kick off the ribbon cutting ceremony, the students sat outside by the playground and sang “It’s a Small World” and the “Harley Spirit Song” under the direction of music teacher Christina Long.  

Principal Elissa Millan introduced Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth Bossert, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Maureen Hull, Assistant Superintendent of Business Keri Loughlin and board trustees Heather Mammolito, James Tomeo and Deborah Weiss to the students. Dr. Bossert praised the dedication of all those involved in bringing the playground to the school, especially the family members of the PTA. He encouraged students to go home and thank their parents for the school’s new addition.

“The people that you have to thank for this new playground are your parents who worked very hard to make it happen,” he said. “Not only will you be able to enjoy it but students that aren’t even born yet will be able to as well.”

Dr. Bossert also acknowledged the PTA executive board for their hard work and dedication. PTA president Heather Ross spoke to the students and thanked PTA member Annemarie Savage for being such a significant part of the process.

“We started this goal over a year ago and we are so happy to be here today,” said Mrs. Ross. “It really was a team effort.”

The school’s 2016-17 Harley Knights of the Month had the opportunity to be the first students to try out the playground after the ribbon was cut. These students were selected throughout the year based on their excellent character. The playground was open for students to enjoy during recess that day.