The Elementary/Intermediate School’s new Traverse Climbing Wall, made possible through the fundraising efforts of the schools’ PTOs, was officially dedicated for K-5 student use in the Intermediate School’s “C Gym” today, March 3, with school and PTO officials and students gathering to cut a ceremonial “Warrior green” ribbon.
“This new traverse wall represents the critically important partnership the district has with its faculty, PTOs and families,” said Superintendent Brian Monahan. “The PTOs asked our physical education faculty what they could help provide funding for, and our families played an important role in supporting this by supporting the PTOs’ fundraising efforts. This wall will provide years of physical fitness education and fun to thousands of students. Thank you to everyone who played a role in making this a reality. This is an outstanding example of why this community is simply the best.”
Keisha Brnabich, IS PTO fundraising chair, said the wall was the result of the combined efforts and commitment of Elementary and Intermediate school families, faculty and community.
“They really supported the PTO in this effort to bring a Rock Wall to our campus,” she said. “By creating a personalized website for our rock wall donations, students were able to easily share with friends and family. Students and faculty participated in our first Warrior Run this past Fall, which was a huge success .”
A traverse wall is climbed horizontally, not vertically. The wall is 8 feet or 10 feet high and comes in sections to allow for any desired length. The fun and challenge are for students to make it from one side to the other, rather than to the top. These walls are ideally suited to younger children and elementary schools, as the low height gives children the freedom to climb without height.
“Our physical education faculty is beyond thrilled to have a new, fun and physically challenging activity for our classes,” said physical education teacher Theresa Uhelsky. “Our new traverse wall will help build upper body strength and improve.students’ balance, endurance and flexibility. Kids love this type of activity and we know they’ll have a great time. This wouldn’t be possible without the support of our PTOs and the families in the Elementary and Intermediate schools. They provided us with the funds needed to make the wall and its installation possible and we’re very grateful.”
See more photos on the district’s Facebook page.
Read more: Intermediate/Elementary PTOs’ ‘Warrior Run’ proceeds make Traverse Climbing Wall purchase a reality