LEWISTON – A donation from Wal-Mart and proceeds from the Montello Fall Festival in 2005 and 2006 have allowed Montello School to make renovations to the playground. Two new pieces of equipment have been installed.

Donna Tardif, Montello kindergarten teacher and 2006 Maine Teacher of the Year, said, “With the high academic standards children face in today’s schools, it is more important than ever for students to have access to quality playground equipment. After a morning of engaged study, it is vital for children to climb, jump and slide as a means of decreasing stress. Recess provides a short mental break which allows children to re-energize and be able to focus again for an afternoon of further learning.”

As the largest kindergarten-to-grade-six public elementary school in the state, Montello’s playgrounds are used by more than 850 students daily and many more children after hours.