Rebecca Huber?s kindergarten class had a serious assignment Wednesday afternoon.
Their mission: Playground equipment test-drivers.
Their verdict: One sweet ride.
“This allows them to use their creative imagination by getting in the Jeep and pretending to drive,” said Principal Fran Nussle as she watched the class take turns on the Jeepsters.
Two Jeepsters ? metal equipment with mini tires resembling a real car ? were provided by Chrysler Financial, an Elkridge company that offers automotive financial products and services that has partnered with the school.
“It?s great!” said student Elijah Powell who loved his time in the front seat.
The business finished setting up the playground area this week and also landscaped the front of the school, painted inside areas and installed sand and water tables.
Also part of the new playground equipment were some balance beams that were a few inches off the ground. Students took advantage of this by pretending they were hurdles.
The school?s existing playground equipment was more geared toward older children and the younger children couldn?t reach some items like monkey bars, said Amy Holm, executive assistant for the director at Chrysler Financial.
“Besides the pure playing enjoyment, the kids are aware that this business is donating their time and money,” said Michelle Fowler, a PTA member who helps coordinate parent volunteers.
She said the partnership was needed, because the school didn?t receive a lot of county and state funding.
The PTA helped support the partnership by providing lunch to the Chrysler volunteers. About 50 to 55 Chrysler employees have been volunteering at the school.
“It?s an amazing partnership, and really impacts the whole school,” said Nussle. “It?s such a morale booster ? even with just new painted walls.”
In November, Chrysler is expectedto return to the school to install metal picnic tables and benches so teachers can hold class outside on nice days.
“It truly is a partnership and hopefully it?ll continue for years from now,” said Nussle. “Just seeing the looks on their faces is worth all the time and energy spent on this.”
