The new Leo F. Giblyn Elementary School playground was officially reopened for students with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting nearly a year to the day after it was damaged by the floodwaters of Superstorm Sandy.
The extensive rebuilding effort included a complete demolition that ultimately led to upgrades in hardware and safety. The large gathering included community members who joined students, administrators, teachers and staff for the celebration. Students, along with several administrators and staff members, were dressed in costume for the event, as it coincided with the school’s annual costume parade.
The winners of a schoolwide essay contest, one representative from each grade level, were asked to read their compositions that expressed their appreciation for the new playground.
“Last year on this day we were not in school; we were all home recovering from the storm,” said Giblyn Principal Amanda Muldowney. “I am especially happy and thankful to have all of you, your parents and your friends here today for the reopening of our playground.”
Board of Education President Debra Mulé, trustee Michael Pomerico, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham, Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Dr. Mary Bediako, Assistant Superintendent of Facilities James Robinson and Director of Facilities Thomas Fucci joined Muldowney on the podium for the ceremony.“Thank you to the members of the Board of Education and to the community; this would not have happened without the passing of the bond referendum,” said Dr. Kuncham in his remarks to the crowd. “We believe in investing in the future of our students, in education and in our facilities, and this new playground is something we take pride in.”
The ceremony concluded with music teacher Shannon Abramovitz leading students in a song of gratitude for the new playground.
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