In fall 2019, the Montessori Public School of Arlington moved into their first standalone school. Unfortunately, the new school building did not provide an inviting or fun play area for the seven primary classrooms which include 160 three to six year-olds. They started the school year spending recess on a blacktop with zero play equipment. Fortunately, the district has made improvements to the area by raising and extending the fence to include a grassy and shaded area, as well as by providing mulch for a portion of the area to reduce the number of injuries due to the black top. However, the district and the school’s budget do not have funding for play equipment before spring 2021.

Therefore, a group of parents working in collaboration with Principal Genove and with support from the PTA, requested and were granted the required permission from the Superintendent to fundraise for play equipment and the necessary storage for it so that we can get our Primary students playing with safe, fun, creative play equipment as soon as possible. The Primary teachers have identified Snug Play as ideal equipment for Montessori children to play on, move around, build with, and utilize to work independently with, as well as cooperatively to build new experiences during recess every day. Additionally, this equipment does not need to be installed, so it can be used as soon as it is delivered.

Please consider donating to our fund to support safe, fun, and creative play equipment for the youngest students at Virginia’s first public Montessori school, and thank you to all who have already donated. We appreciate your patience as we worked through these approvals. If you have any questions, please reach out to [email redacted]. Thank you!

“Play is the work of children.”  ~ Maria Montessori