Damp weather did not ground a successful flight of the Soar into Spring event that was held at the Eisenhower Intermediate School on Saturday, April 26.
In an effort to beautify the grounds at Eisenhower, the school’s robust Parent Teachers Organization (PTO) developed its first-ever Soar in Spring cleanup project.
The first all-day event was under the guidance of the Eisenhower PTO Co-Presidents Hiral Desai and Annie Higgins and member Marann Morris, who served as the chairperson.
Of course, the project was supported by the Eisenhower administrators, including Principal Dr. Laura Bassett and Assistant Principal Brian Smith. Both pitched in to work on this day, which attracted various groups and organizations.
The labor was also provided by two professional organizations—JayDan Services of Dunellen donated a 12-yard dumpster and Total Maintenance Pro, a landscaper company from Somerville, delivered its staff of eager and tireless workers.
According to the PTO officers, staffers from Total Maintenance Pro launched their efforts at 8 a.m. when they were preparing the grounds to plant shrubs, flowers, and trees. All of the materials, equipment, and the full day’s tasks were generously donated by Total Maintenance Pro.
The activities were triggered by a greeting from Dr. Bassett, who welcomed families, volunteers, and staff to participate in a chore to beautify school grounds and create a more welcoming, eco-friendly environment.
Bridgewater-Raritan High School students who are members of the helpful Operation Elementary were on hand to set up and greet the volunteer workers. Within an hour at 9 a.m., the first of three courtyards was already well on its way to being cleaned up. Students from the Garden Club ignored the rain to pull weeds, a task that helped transform the courtyard into a usable, welcoming space.
Led by Assistant Principal Smith, members of the high school’s National Honor Society, and Jens Hagerty of the Eisenhower custodial team, old furniture, stone statues, and overgrown gardens were removed from the courtyard.
Also, family volunteers and students removed rocks from each of the courtyards to be repurposed elsewhere. The rocks were painted yellow, white, and blue to show school spirit. Flowers were planted, and the rocks were carefully arranged to spell out IKE, which was “ an outstanding and colorful display of Eisenhower pride,” the PTO officials claimed.
By 3 p.m. on this damp day that was filled with a bright spirit, and after hours of hard work, teamwork, and dedication, the transformation was complete.
“ Thanks to the incredible efforts of our students, families, volunteers, and staff, the courtyards and school grounds are now vibrant spaces that reflect the spirit and pride of Eisenhower School. We are so grateful to everyone who contributed their time, energy, and talents to make our first Soar into Spring event such a success — we can't wait to see how this tradition grows in the years to come,” the PTO officials declared.
The day resulted in an unforgettable experience for Principal Bassett.
“ I am blown away by the support from our community to help beautify our school grounds. Marvin (Barrantes, owner and founder) and his team from Total Maintenance Pro were so quick to elevate this project to a new level to create something our students, staff, and families can be proud of when they enter our school,’’ she said.
Principal Bassett continued her summary of what was a successful team effort.
“The PTO leadership solicited donations and volunteers and truly initiated what I hope will be a great new tradition at Eisenhower, where our community can come together to help take care of and improve the school. Eisenhower students and their families came and helped to weed, clean, dig, plant, and paint - and the results are just amazing. I'm so proud of our school community and so grateful to everyone who helped to make this possible!”