MILLTOWN – Even though school is yet to begin in person for the 2020-21 school year due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, children are utilizing the new large motor/sensory playground at the Parkview School.
The funding for the new playground is one of the largest funding projects for the Milltown Education Foundation (MEF) in the last few years. For the last two years, MEF allocated $18,000 toward implementing flexible seating in every classroom at the Joyce Kilmer – grades 4-8 – and Parkview schools – grades pre-K to third grade. Since then, the flexible seating has been phased into the classrooms.
MEF members and their children celebrated the completion of the playground on Sept. 26.
The Northfield Bank Foundation presented a $10,000 grant to Parkview School administrators on Feb. 4 that went towards the playground. The MEF received a Team Depot grant through The Home Depot for an additional $3,000 worth of materials of mulch for the playground. In addition, MEF contributed $15,000 from its own funds. Construction for the new playground began in the summer.
Laura Carasso, who was the president of MEF and now the director of grants, said when she drives past the area she sees families enjoying the new playground.
MEF, according to its website, is an independent, nonprofit organization providing financial assistance and stimulating educational opportunities that are otherwise not available through the Milltown School District’s operating budget.
Since last year, the organization has grown from seven trustee members to 19 trustee members and 12 project volunteers. Jill Hetzler follows Carasso as president of MEF.
There are a number of events coming up to help MEF and its goal, which include the sale of Halloween lawn signs for $15 welcoming trick-or-treaters, sale of brick pavers for Walk of Knight installed at the Media Center entrance at Joyce Kilmer School to recognize alumni, Dine to Donate at Maria’s Pizza on Oct. 12 and 13, and an Election Day clothing drive from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Gloria Bradford Park Gazebo on Nov. 3.
For more information visit www.MilltownEF.org.