Students at Peterson Elementary will return to a blacktop play area filled with colorful new artwork and activities when school resumes on August 15. Members of the Parent Teacher Club (PTC) volunteered their time to paint a large map of the United States and a map of the continents as well as 10 foursquare courts and three hopscotch courts.
PTC vice president Robin Kuhls says it’s a project she’s been dreaming of for the past two years. She’s the mother of a current Peterson fourth grader and two freshmen who also attended the school. She says when the district did a fresh slurry seal on the blacktop last year as part of a Measure M improvement project, she knew it was time to make the vision a reality.
The PTC held a fundraiser to purchase supplies and planned the design before Kuhls and 11 other volunteers went to work on July 30. They set up small tents to help shield them from the summer heat and finished the project on August 2. Kuhls says, “I’m ecstatic that we were able to do this for all of the children at Peterson. I can’t wait to see them out there enjoying it soon!” Kulhs adds that this is just phase one of the project, and they have more exciting ideas in mind for phase two.
Peterson Elementary principal Suzanne Fagundes says, “We are so grateful for the time and effort that our PTC board and members put into this project. It will not only give our students more fun activities to enjoy outdoors, but it will also help them with geography.”
Peterson Learning Director Josy Pulido adds, “It makes Peterson look vibrant and inviting! Our PTC is incredibly hard working and dedicated to our kids.”
The Merced City School District would also like to thank all of the volunteers who helped with this project: Robin Kuhls, Kelly McKain, Christa Bruner, Silvia Linan, Amy Jimenez, Zandra Villanueva, Allison Speidel, Rocio Salazar, David Sanchez, Michelle Taylor, Jeff Chiesa, and Felix Noriega.
