Teacher Appreciation Week at Dallas Center-Grimes

Teacher Appreciation Week is in full swing at Dallas Center-Grimes! As part of the celebration, we asked our families to send a video shouting out to some of the difference makers in their lives. It’s clear to see that our educators are the best of the best! Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

Connecting with the Superintendent – Fourth Graders Plan a Meeting with DCG’s Superintendent

AJ: Fourth graders at Dallas Center Elementary have a big idea.

“We’ve been learning and we’ve been talking about this for a while now,” shares Phoebe Meadows.

Students noticed something was missing from their playground.

“I feel like inclusive playground equipment will make all kids at DCG happy,” says Cora Temple.

“There’s only one bucket swing at our school,” adds Blake Patras.”Next year, if we get one more person in a wheelchair, then they won’t be able to swing at the same time if they want to.”

After discovering this need, the students went to work. Writing to principals, the school board, and hosting Superintendent Dr. Scott Blum for a face-to-face presentation.

“Dr. Blum could help us with all of that stuff,” says Temple.

After going through a PowerPoint presentation and a round of Q&A, the students took our superintendent for a playground tour. Even though they might be middle schoolers by the time this project is complete, this was their turn to leave a legacy.

“It’s a big deal because we want everyone to be included,” shares Meadows. Even if it’s not us playing on the equipment, we want people in the next grades and the grades after us to have inclusive play equipment so they can feel included.”

The official ask is for a rubber turf floor, calming pods and a dignity landing area for the slides. These are all student-driven requests.

After a great conversation, Dr. Blum told the students he was going to work. Conversations with our operations department and potential vendors are coming up, but for now, it’s nothing but praise for these students and their passion for inclusion.

“It’s important to me because I want everyone to feel included in DC elementary and middle schools,” adds Meadows.