Student artists paint games on playground

During this time of in-person learning with social distancing, the St. Emily School eighth-graders created fun activities for all students to use on the school playground.

Since school began in August, the students have had to stay within their cohort at recess. A school board member noticed there were no games for the students to play while restricted to recess zones. Eighth grade teacher, Regina Kinasz was contacted to see if her students would be willing to paint a few games outside for the children to be able to play on during recess.

"When I approached the eighth-graders, their imaginations went wild!" Kinasz said. "They created templates of interesting and exciting activities."

After laying out a plan, they broke into groups that were each responsible for different games and areas of the playground.

The students painted 25 games on the blacktop, including obstacle courses, four square, hopscotch, tic tac toe, and mirror me.

According to Kinasz, "Their creativity knew no bounds. I loved witnessing the community spirit among the students, even as they are social distancing." Adding, "and now, all the children are enjoying the games immensely."

Kinasz observed a lot of St. Emily School spirit among the hard-at-work eighth-graders.

"They really got into what they were doing. They wanted it to be perfect. It was wonderful watching them have fun while creating. I especially enjoyed watching them make so many different colors from the four basic paints we were using. I am so proud of the work they've done."

The eighth grade students were happy to do the work to make life more enjoyable for others.

Student Veronica Toczylowski said, "It's fun to paint, and it felt like we were doing something useful and helping the school."

Joey Bruno added, "It's fun to see kids playing on the things we made."

Of course, most students would agree with Jordan Villaluna, "It was much more fun that being in class."

Mrs. Kinasz added, "It makes everyone smile and gives a feeling of hope. I believe I was watching them help build God's kingdom in their own small way."