A phoenix of fun

Students help raise funds to replace playground equipment destroyed by fire at Peninsula Elementary

MOSES LAKE — New beginnings are a chance to overcome obstacles, and that is exactly what the dedication of the new big toy playground means for students and staff at Peninsula Elementary.

A year ago when students came to school to find their big toy play equipment had been destroyed by a fire, they didn't allow disappointment or the challenge of needing to raise $47,000 to replace it get in their way.

"You turned sadness into hope … you wrote and sang a song, and with determination, creativity and persistence you used collective hard work," said Doug Luiten, principal at Peninsula Elementary during the opening ceremony yesterday.

With 186 pounds of pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters, students raised the first $1,000 to go towards the purchase of the new playground equipment.

Several community organizations and private donors also contributed to fund-raise a total of $22,000 to meet costs not covered by insurance. A portion of that amount, $14,000, was raised at an auction held this spring.

"The students have ownership in this and are proud to have been part of rebuilding it," said fourth-grade teacher Noreen Thomas.

Following the ribbon cutting, students joined in song with guest performers Cowboy Buck and Elizabeth who have been working with students to compile a CD of songs that reflect upon the past year.

"We got the power to care for each other, to be a friend, help one another. We got the power to conquer learning, master the challenge, keep our hearts burning," the students sang out during the song "We've Got the Power."

"The big toy arrived earlier this summer and students have not missed any opportunity to use their new playground," Thomas said.

"The monkey bars are my favorite part to use," said second-grader Shayla Estes.

A friendship bench was also dedicated at Thurday's ceremony in memory of first-grader Cliffton Hansen who was killed in a tragic boating accident in January of 2003.

"My heart is here and every time I think of Cliffy, I will remember Peninsula Elementary and the big toy," Erlys Hansen of Port Angeles, Wash., said of her great-grandchild.

"This brings closure," Luiten said of the big toy and friendship bench dedication. "None of this would have happened without community."