Today was a very special day at Indian Hills as we shared exciting news with students—news that is possible because of you.

After several years of hard work, fundraising, and community support, the dream of a new playground for Indian Hills Elementary is becoming a reality!

This incredible project is a partnership between our school, our district, and our Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). The district generously funded and approved the replacement of our original 1989 playground structure—and thanks to your ongoing support, the Indian Hills PTO was able to donate an additional $52,000 to expand and enhance the design for an even better student experience.

Because of you, we didn’t just get the basics—we were able to add:

-A larger, main play structure with multiple slides and climbing features

-New swings

-Shade structures to keep kids cool on those sunny days

-Fun extras like spinners, balance spheres, a beam, bongos, and even a xylophone!

Even better? This playground was shaped by your voices.

Last year, we surveyed families, staff, and students to ask what mattered most. Here’s what we heard:

#1 request: Remove the black tire mulch

Add more climbing options for older students

Prioritize shade, safety, and inclusive play

Today, we’re proud to reveal the final renderings of the playground—customized to reflect your feedback and our school spirit. We think you’re going to love it.

What’s next?
Installation is scheduled to begin this summer, with the goal of having the new playground ready before the first day of school. However, as with any construction project, timelines may shift due to weather or unforeseen delays. We’ll keep you updated throughout the process.

While Phase 1 is fully funded and moving forward, our work isn’t done. The top priority—replacing the black tire mulch—remains. The cost to remove and replace it is nearly equal to this entire first phase, which is why we’re launching Phase 2 of our fundraising efforts with the goal of providing safer, better surfacing for all students.

We hope that, together, we can raise the remaining funds over the next few years and complete this vision for our school.

Thank you for every dollar donated, ticket sold, event attended, hour volunteered, and idea shared. This playground is more than equipment—it’s proof of what we can accomplish when we come together as a community.

With gratitude,
Chelsea Schmidtlein
Principal, Indian Hills Elementary

Brie Parks
President, Indian Hills PTO

4th graders Nash and Paxton helped us with the chicken dance during the talent show this morning!

This week we are saying, “see you later” to an amazing group of 5th and 6th grade students as they begin their next chapter as middle school students. We are going to miss you all but know you have big things ahead and we will be cheering for you every step of the way! Congratulations to our 5th and 6th Grade students!

Students enjoyed a fun field day! Thank you to Mr. C and all of the volunteers who made this day so special.

FIELD DAY TODAY - ☔️ or ☀️

We are going to do everything possible to have our Field Day outside today. If the weather turns or there is any lightning students will be brought inside to the gym for activities and field day snacks. Please send an extra pair of socks/shoes in a grocery sack in your child’s backpack so they can change into clean/dry shoes after field day is over as it will be very wet and muddy.

It is going to be a great day — rain or shine!

LUNCH MENU MAY 19-23

Monday
Hot sandwich (chicken patty, chicken fried steak, hamburger)

Tuesday
Pot luck (pizza, mac & cheese, pasta w/ meat sauce, etc.)

Wednesday
Choice # 1 - Chicken (drumstick, nuggets, drummies) w/ mashed potatoes
Choice #2 - Beef fingers with mashed potatoes

Thursday
Choice #1 - French toast sticks w/ sausage
Choice #2 - Sunbutter & jelly sandwiches

Friday - Uncrustable Sandwich

Congratulations to our 1st Place Fun & Fitness Club mile run winners for each bracket! You showed up each week, worked hard and brought home the gold! 🥇 We are so proud of your hard work!

🥇 Isaac Harper
🥇 Alenna Boleski
🥇 Enzo Hamman
🥇 Peyton Vaughn
🥇 Jayden Williams

Indian Hills boasts exceptional PTO, parental, family, and community support. Today, the PTO successfully presented a check to Indian Hills, earmarked for our new playground.