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Fen Elementary fourth-graders pitch accessible-playground project to Medina City Schools board
Summary
Fourth-graders from Fen Elementary presented a deeper-learning civics project to the Medina City Schools Board proposing an accessible playground, outlining fundraising steps, and saying they will present to PTO and community groups.
At a Medina City Schools Board of Education meeting, students from Fen Elementary presented a project to make their school's playground accessible to children with mobility and sensory needs.
Principal Perry told the board that the district's deeper-learning goal encourages students to lead projects that connect classroom study to the community. "Our staff's commitment to our district goal in every grade is focused on creating deeper learning experiences," Principal Perry said.
Fourth-grade teachers said the unit tied their American Revolution studies to local civics. Mrs. Chelsea White described inviting councilman-at-large Mr. Isabella to speak to students about neighborhood problems such as broken sidewalks and heavy traffic; teachers said that visit inspired students to identify change they could pursue locally.
Students Finn, Eevee and Holly told the board their team chose "playground accessibility" after brainstorming. "We thought this was important because people that are in wheelchairs or on the spectrum can't use the equipment we have now," one student said. The students said they plan a fundraiser, have prepared presentation materials (including links to inclusive equipment), and will ask the PTO and community partners to help pay for upgrades.
Teachers said the classes will use a presentation rubric to select the most compelling proposals; chosen teams will present to community members, after which students will reflect on their learning. The presentation also included proposals for expanded recycling education, a kindness-squad token system, and reorganized indoor/outdoor recess options.
As part of the unit, students took a virtual field trip to Revolutionary War battlefields and viewed replica artifacts to link historical figures and civic action to the students' local projects. Teachers said the unit emphasized teamwork and digital tools such as Canva.
Next steps: students will refine their presentations and the district may receive requests to host community listening sessions; teachers said they intend to bring selected student proposals to PTO and other community groups for consideration.
