Berkshire Eagle article by Clarence Fanto
LENOX — Morris Elementary School is doubling down on its commitment to recess as a vital highlight of the day — and an opportunity for students to develop their social skills.
With that goal in mind, the district this week unveiled a modern new playground. The previous playground had to be replaced because it was no longer possible to repair, said Morris Principal Brenda Kelley.
“Recess is an important part of the kids’ day and of growing up,” she said. “It’s where you practice your social and emotional skills. It helps maintain focus when they go back into the classroom.”
Youngsters in prekindergarten through fourth grade have two recess periods daily; fifth graders have one, slightly longer classroom break.
Kelley described a smooth process, once the project was able to secure funding. The cost was $283,000, said Melissa Falkowski, the school district’s assistant superintendent of business and operations.
Kelley credited Falkowski, Lenox schools Superintendent William Collins and the School Committee for their support of the project funding.
At a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday attended by Morris students and parents, Kelley described the playground as “a place for students to build friendships, learn teamwork and develop their social and emotional skills. It’s a place where they can take a break from academics and enjoy being kids while also benefiting from healthy activities.”
She called the playground “a symbol of our commitment to fostering a supportive, joyful and a well-rounded school environment for every student here at Morris.”
Also attending the ceremony was Holly Soules, the school's new assistant principal.
Most recently, she was dean of students at Herberg Middle School in Pittsfield, where she was on the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports team. Previously, she held classroom teaching positions at Allendale and Capeless elementary schools in the city. She was also a physical education instructor for Pittsfield's elementary and high school students.
Soules told The Eagle she fell in love with the Morris community as her two daughters were educated there — both are now at Lenox Memorial Middle and High School.
After three school years, she’ll become the Morris principal as Kelley completes a transition to curriculum, instruction and assessment director for the Lenox school district.
“I couldn’t be happier," Soules said. "It’s been a great start, busy but in a good way.”