Friendswood ISD Mustang Pride Unleashed! Magazine Summer 2018 | Page 13

Zue. S. Bales Intermediate Unleashing kindness Peaceful Hearts Playground A state-of-the-art challenge course and Peace Garden were two new additions to Bales Intermediate this year and were made possible by Kids for Peace Organization, a partner program with FISD. Kind Coins launched a campaign to help communities affected by Hurricane Harvey and the Bales campus was a recipient of one of the 19 play spaces built around the nation. Third-grader Jax Van Reenen was chosen as the National Spokesperson for Kids for Peace and was featured in a video showing Friendswood and the devastation caused by the hurricane. Kind Coins for Hurricane Relief Video Out of the Kind Coins project, a collaborative partnership developed and a challenge playground was built for the students of Bales and children in the community. Contributors to the new playground were Bales PTO, the playground committee, FISD, the Kids for Peace Organization and GameTime. “The Bales community is thankful for such a generous gift,” said Principal J.T. Patton. “This entire effort is a reflection of how our community came together to support one another, demonstrating the Show Your True Colors character spirit we embrace at Bales.” Chess Club Two years ago Bales Intermediate launched a Chess Club as a fun way for students to develop analytical thinking and problem- solving skills while socializing. Unsure how many students would be interested, Principal Patton was thrilled when more than 60 students initially signed up and in its second year, more than 100 students have joined the club. The Chess Club is led by teacher Mr. Wyble and parent volunteers. Each Friday they meet before school, and the students are taught strategy, etiquette and rules. There has also been an increase in the number of students who take advantage of online lessons and challenges, which are accessible from home, too. 13