May 17, 2022
Obama Magnet Elementary hosted a special projects dedication ceremony on Friday, May 13 to dedicate playground renovation projects from 2019 (just before the pandemic) through 2022. These projects include Phase II of the Playground Project (2019-2020), the Outdoor Classroom Project (2020-2021), and the Student Garden Project (2021-2022). The renovations reflect an investment of well over $50,000 since 2019. These improvements would not have been possible without the dedication, generosity, and support of parents, teachers, students, private individuals, organizations, foundations, and local businesses. Over 25 sponsors, contractors, suppliers, and supporters were involved in the projects. Sponsors and supporters for 1 or more of the projects included, the Selby and Richard McRae Foundation, Jack and Jill Foundation, Junior League of Jackson, Obama Magnet PTA, Jackson Public Schools, the Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi, Entergy, Imperial Contractors, LLC., Nick Wallace Culinary, and MC School of Law.
 |
 |
Playground Project Phase II Renovations (2019-2020)
Renovations for this project included removal and replacement of all plastic components, touch-up painting of all metal surfaces, replacement of sections of the safety border, and replacement of the basketball goal backboard. Blacktop improvements included the resurfacing and relining of the blacktop as well as stenciling of the school logo in the center. A shade canopy with picnic tables was also installed.
Sponsors for Phase II included the Jack and Jill Foundation, Selby and Richard McRae Foundation, Jackson Public Schools, Junior League of Jackson, Obama Magnet PTA, the Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi, and Entergy. The work was completed by Imperial Contractors LLC, David King Stenciling, Cleo’s Asphalt, Sabrina Howard, and Obama Magnet PTA volunteers.
The Obama Magnet Playground Project Phase II received the Partnership Excellence Award at the Mississippi Association of Partners in Education Governor’s Award Ceremony held on March 26, 2021.
Outdoor Classroom Renovations (2020-2021)
In anticipation of an increasing number of students that would return to the regular classroom in the spring of 2021, Obama Magnet partnered with the Selby and Richard McRae Foundation to fund a $12,500 renovation of our existing outdoor classroom. During the pandemic, a newly renovated outdoor classroom would provide plenty of fresh air and an oasis to promote the physical, mental, and emotional health of all of our students and teachers. Renovations included the replacement of the old wooden benches with aluminum benches and tables, refacing the front of the stage, fresh coats of paint, refinishing other wooden structures, pressure washing, and minor landscaping. The work was completed by Imperial Contractors, LLC. as well as Obama Magnet PTA volunteers.
The Obama Magnet Outdoor Classroom Project was presented a Governor’s Award by the Mississippi Association of Partners in Education at the Governor’s Award Ceremony held on March 26, 2021.
Student Garden Renovations (2021-2022)
With a playground and outdoor classroom renovations completed, attention was turned toward the student garden, which, after many years of use, was in much need of a facelift. The Selby and Richard McRae Foundation along with the Jack & Jill Foundation quickly stepped up to serve as major sponsors. Food Network’s Chopped Champion and Mississippi’s own Chef Nick Wallace provided technical assistance and helped sponsor the maintenance of this project.
Renovations included the installation of custom-made elevated garden beds, the installation of a stone-paved walkway, improved accessibility for irrigation, fencing, and other improvements based upon available funding. The work was completed by Imperial Contractors, LLC, Jackson Public Schools, Obama Magnet PTA, and volunteers from our newest adopter, the MC School of Law.
 |
 |
 |
The formal program was followed by a guided tour of the renovations and photo opportunities. All projects were dedicated to the children of Obama Magnet School.
