Big news!

AFIA is getting a playground structure — with multiple slides, swings, and climbing structures — that will be installed in a few short weeks! We reviewed the feedback we received from students, families and teachers and incorporated these ideas into our playground plan. 

Play is an essential part of the learning process. When students take breaks from academic tasks, they return to the classroom more attentive and productive. In addition to developing motor skills and allowing movement, recess helps students develop social skills, such as problem-solving. Recess is a critical component in an AFIA student’s daily schedule.

Thus, during renovations we invested funds to prepare our outside space for a playground structure. In December 2017, we officially kicked off fundraising efforts for our playground equipment. A few months later, we have exciting results to share. Early in the process one of our AFIA parents, JJ McDonald, contacted me and shared some fantastic ideas for fundraising. Together our community launched a letter writing campaign, a YouCaring fundraiser campaign and fundraiser at Pizzeria Locale. Through these efforts we were able to raise $4,600. Additionally, we submitted a Kaboom grant application spearheaded by Ellis McDaniel, an AFIA Assistant Teacher. This video tells our story for the Kaboom grant application.  

While we are grateful for every donation, I’d like to recognize two extra special additions to our playground project fund. One, from an anonymous donor, added $50,000 to the fund; this single donation allowed us to achieve Phase I of a multiphase project. Our second special donation came from our newest AFIA graduates. Last year’s Sixth Grade Class won the KC Healthy Kids Photo Contest and donated their $1,000 prize to the playground fund. The fact that these generous students, who are now moving onto middle school, chose to donate their funds to a new playground is a testament our students; AFIA scholars are caring contributors who are committed to making their community a better place.    

Recent graduates donated $1000 to the our playground

When we kicked off this campaign a few months ago, I knew amazing things would happen, but I never expected to raise over $55,000 and reach our Phase I goal so quickly. This story is another reminder that our AFIA community is amazing and determined.  Thank you to our students, families, staff and generous supporters who believe in our vision. We are grateful.

1st graders hug each other after they hear $50,000 was donated to our school to help us build a playground.

We are still raising funds for Phase II of the project. This fall, inspired by our sixth graders, each classroom will develop and implement a fundraising plan to contribute to Phase II of the fund. If you are interested in contributing to the fund, you may do so via the You Caring site, through this link or by emailing me at tricia.degraff@afiakc.org.