Horizon Elementary outlines ‘Playground Pals’ peer-inclusion program

Horizon Elementary staff and students presented a student-led recess inclusion program called Playground Pals during the Pewaukee School District board meeting on Monday, Feb. 10. School leaders said the program will use student council members to invite peers, teach noncompetitive games and staff a calming area on the playground.

School principal Christy Johnson told the board, “Playground Pals was brought to our attention by Derek and Kathy Walls.” She said student council members — 27 students, one per classroom — will wear red vests so classmates can identify them and request a game or a play partner. Student council members were selected through an application process and teacher references and will meet monthly to plan activities and discuss inclusion strategies.

Why it matters: Horizon staff said the program is intended to reduce exclusion and conflict during recess by offering structured, noncompetitive options and on-playground support. Officials said the approach is meant to help students who do not easily join highly competitive games feel more included and reduce incidents that escalate into arguments.

Program details provided at the meeting included monthly leadership meetings, an emphasis on active invitation (directly inviting others to join, sharing equipment and taking turns) and a set of example activities — red light/green light, I Spy, jump rope and chalk. Staff also described a “calming station” to be placed on the playground with quiet tools and materials for students who need a brief break from activity.

Student council advisor Carly Getzke and school psychologist Lexi Horvath described training plans for student council leaders and classroom-level lessons to teach expectations. Derek Walls and parent Kathy Walls are working with staff and a contractor, John Stangler, to identify equipment and a location; school staff said the company they contacted has offered to finance a calming hut for Horizon and one for another elementary playground. School leaders said fundraising and planning remain in progress with an aim to launch the full program by March (timeline described as “by March,” with some elements already piloted).

What board members asked and what staff said: Board members asked whether the program was an adaptation of an existing model; staff said they had seen a longer, fee-based program developed overseas and adapted it locally. When asked about timing, staff said Playground Pals would begin in March after student council training and vest purchase. Board members praised the students’ presentation and noted the parents and community volunteers involved in fundraising and planning.

Next steps: School staff said they will purchase identification vests, hold training with student council leaders and continue fundraising for the calming structure. The board did not take any formal action on the program during the meeting; presenters asked only for the board’s time to share the initiative and answer questions.

Ending: Horizon staff said they will return to classrooms and continue planning with student council members and parent volunteers, and they asked the board to receive updates as the program moves to full implementation.