August 28, 2024
By:
For the first time since the establishment of DeKalb Middle School (DMS), students there now have a dedicated playground area to enjoy, complete with swings and a basketball court. The playground project, initiated in the summer of 2023 by Student Council Sponsor Suzette Barnes, marks a significant milestone for the school community.
The project began with the installation of a 20×30 concrete pad, on which two basketball goals were set up. Throughout the 2023-2024 school year, students relished the opportunity to play in the new space. However, the excitement didn’t stop there. Student Council members worked diligently to add swings to the area, and their efforts came to fruition last month. A three-bay swing set, featuring two seats in each bay, was installed between late July and early August.
On Monday, August 26th, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to officially open the swing set for student use. The ceremony was a momentous occasion, with students eagerly participating and becoming the first to enjoy swinging at DMS. The joy and excitement among the students were palpable as they embraced this new addition to their school.
Plans are in place to further enhance the playground to accommodate even more students, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy this outdoor space.
DMS extends its heartfelt thanks to Director of Schools Mr. Patrick Cripps, Coordinated School Health Director Mrs. Elise Driver, DeKalb Schools Maintenance Supervisor Mr. Aaron Young, Former DMS Principal Mr. Caleb Shehane, Current DMS Principal Mrs. Teresa Jones, and Assistant Principal Mr. Josh Agee for their unwavering support in making this project a reality for the students. Additionally, a special thank you goes out to IMI Concrete, 3:23 Custom Concrete, Smithville Electric, Middle TN Natural Gas, and the dedicated DMS Student Council members who contributed to the success of this project.
The new playground is a testament to the power of community collaboration and the commitment to providing students with a safe and enjoyable environment to play and thrive.