By Noah Alatza
Groups of parents, students and teachers gathered inside of Westfields Intermediate School, where administrators dedicated a new courtyard May 24.
“We have been planning this for nine months. Your kids made it what it is,” Mary Robison, a fifth-grade teacher, said during the dedication
The new courtyard was slated for renovation after students began asking to make a change.
“It started with a brainstorming session, which bloomed into something more,” Robison said. “It is very stunning, even on a rainy day.”
A fifth-grade student even wrote Supt. Sherry Grate, urging her to help with the plans for the courtyard. Eventually, Grate and WIS Principal Annette Patchett approved efforts to renovate. Nearly $5,000 was raised for the project, entirely from donations.
A team traveled to Oak Trace Elementary for ideas on how to incorporate a prepossessing representation for the future courtyard before a final blueprint was proposed. Sodexo members moved decaying tables and assisted in removing concrete from around a tree. A steep discount was given to WIS from Westfield-based Sundown Gardens in cooperation with a number of parents and teachers.
“(We are) unbelievably gracious for (the) sacrifices of many.” Robison said. “It was all a team effort.”
Last month, more than 60 people volunteered to help plant, dig and haul materials to make the courtyard more available for future students.
“Now, a whole class can go outside and learn. It is such a beautiful area,” Robison said.
For more, visit wis.wws.k12.in.us.