Even the chilly conditions didn’t stop the Jonesburg Elementary staff from celebrating a new addition to its school.

JBE held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to introduce its new intermediate playground for students grades 3-5. The event was attended by staff members, students and numerous members in the Montgomery County community. JBE principal Jenny Krattli was the emcee, students Kenzie Wilson and Quinn Cope did some speaking and another student, Parker Calbreath, cut the ribbon.

“This playground represents more than monkey bars and swings,” Krattli said. “It represents teamwork, generosity and pride. It’s a symbol of what can happen when a community comes together for its kids. We’re so proud to be part of the small towns with big hearts that made this happen right here in the Midwest in the greatest country of the world.”

Krattli said the playground project, which cost about $22,000, started last fall. Missouri Mulch donated the mulch to the playground area. The Montgomery County R-II maintenance staff, along with several volunteers and high school students, helped install the equipment.

“We have a very generous community,” Krattli said. “The district put some money towards it and lots of other money showed up and very nice donations.”

Among the numerous contributors for the project were Amy Cope, Alan Schluss, Dr. Jocelyn Schluss, Amanda Sachs, Bill Cope, Clifton McReaken, David Reagan, Hicks Store, Jonesburg Elementary PTO, Jerry and Toni Schwartz, Jonesburg Lioness Club, Jonesburg State Bank, JR Leu, Kali Salazar, Karter Reagan, Leanna Wilson, Luella Gregory, Megan Hans, Shane Hoffmann, Stacy Calbreath, Trice Roden, Wal-Mart and Officer Ron McBride of the Jonesburg Police Department.

Krattli said that the playground has already brought joy to the students. Several students were testing it out after the ceremony.

“When you walk under this playground, I hope you remember what it stands for – community, kindness and care,” Krattli said. “Every bolt and beam was placed by people who believed in you. This project is a perfect example of what happens when a community comes together for kids. Every part of this playground, every swing, every monkey bar and every piece of equipment were made possible because someone cared enough to give, to help or to dream with us.”

Krattli said the playground also gives students opportunities to do team sports and running.

“This was actually part of the original playground,” she said. “This used to be a full court. When they added on and did the gym, they had to cut it down. For years, we’ve been using the other playground, which is really nice. But when we surveyed the big kids, third through fifth grade, they really liked to run and play. There is not a lot of grass over there to play. So we kind of got this dream.” 

The playground project was part of many improvements JBE has made in the last several months. The school began its year on Aug. 19 with renovated classrooms on the west wing of the building, which is the original end of the school. The classrooms got new storage units and cabinetry that was done by Brandkamp Cabinets in Montgomery City.

“It’s a good place to be,” Krattli said.