MV Elementary holds ribbon cutting for expanded play area

By Valerie Cury

In mid-October, Mountain View Elementary Principal Jill Broaddus held a ribbon cutting for the school’s newly expanded play area and courtyard pathway. 

Bob Butler is the owner of Western Maryland Concrete in Smithsburg, MD. He recently donated the supplies, labor, and construction of a large pathway and patio for the Mountain View Elementary courtyard – at no cost. 

Shawn Beachley reached out to Bob Butler hoping for a fair deal for a large project on behalf of his son’s preschool program at Mountain View Elementary School in Purcellville. The area where twenty or so children were able to play at the school was muddy, rocky, and not conducive to learning and playing.

Not only did Butler answer the call, but he also went above and beyond, coming to several meetings, on-location planning, and delivering on the project at no cost to the school. 

Now the area has a large pathway and patio of concrete where the kids will be able to learn to ride bikes, push their toys, sit and eat, or learn or play without getting dirty. 

The Town of Purcellville and all the families at the school are honored to receive the contributions Butler provided to Mountain View Elementary and the students. They will surely make great strides in their ability to learn, with the addition to their newly renovated learning environment.

“Our preschool teachers, Mrs. Val Swan and Mrs. Jenny Kwon took an idea they formulated together and made it happen. The two worked with their students’ parents, our PTA and members from the community to create a courtyard for their students that is inviting, fun, and safe for them enjoy,” said Principal Broaddus during the ribbon cutting.  

“Val and Jenny researched various playgrounds and courtyards around the county and on-line. They created drawings and outlines, managed budgets and timetables, and put their own sweat into digging holes and putting toys and sheds together. The results are beautiful, and I am so proud of their work! Our preschool students can now enjoy their time outside as they learn social skills and just have fun,” Principal Broaddus added.