March 28, 2024

TJ staff, PTA thank Inmate Volunteer Program for help with playground

To the editor:

The Thomas Jefferson Elementary School staff and PTA would like to publically thank the Newton Correctional Facility for its Inmate Volunteer Program, which provides for inmates to volunteer for community service projects.

We have used this program two years in a row to install playground equipment.

Supervised play, exercise and creative activity with age-appropriate, safe equipment is vital for our children’s brain development, as well as large motor and small motor skills to develop and grow during these early vital years of pre-kindergarten through third grade.

Numerous people have had a hand in the fundraising, planning and installing of our new playground equipment and the Inmate Volunteer Program was instrumental in the basic hard, hot and dirty ground work.

Thank you.

Diane Babcock

Chairwoman

Thomas Jefferson Playground Committee