North Park Elementary School Celebrates Playlot Enhancements with Ribbon Ceremony and Ice Cream Social
Author: Erin Leyden, Director of Development and Marketing

CHICAGO, IL – August 26, 2025 – On Monday, August 25, North Park Elementary School (NPES) welcomed more than 25 of its generous donors and their families to a joyful ribbon-cutting ceremony and ice cream social in celebration of the newly enhanced NPES playlot. The event marked the culmination of the school’s most successful Gala in history – the Sapphire Soirée, held in honor of NPES’s 45th anniversary and partially benefiting the Play It Forward Paddle Raise initiative.

Funds from the Paddle Raise – a highlight of the annual Gala – this year directly supported the installation of new Early Childhood and Kindergarten climbing equipment, updated surfacing,  picnic tables, and benches designed to create opportunities for connection and inclusiveness across all grade levels. Thanks to the generosity of the NPES community, students will now enjoy a playlot that is as developmentally thoughtful and inclusive as the school’s mission itself.

“Our Play It Forward initiative is more than just an investment in playground equipment,” said Erin Leyden, Director of Development and Marketing at NPES. “It’s an investment in joy, growth, and connection – values that sit at the heart of the NPES experience.”

NPES is an independent PreK–8 school known for its mission-driven commitment to academic excellence, social-emotional growth, and community engagement. With an approach that prioritizes developmental milestones and relationship-based learning, NPES stands out for its ability to nurture young learners in a warm, inclusive, and dynamic environment. The Early Childhood program, in particular, emphasizes hands-on exploration, strong student–teacher relationships, and the foundational skills that prepare children for lifelong learning.

““Small School. Big Impact.” is more than a tagline at NPES -  it’s a lived reality”, states Head of School, Mr. John Novick, Jr.. “From the extraordinary care of our teachers to the deep friendships among our students, the NPES community continually shows up for one another. The newly enhanced playlot is yet another example of how we create spaces where every child feels seen, supported, and included.”

Guests at the ribbon ceremony were treated to scoops from local favorite Teddy’s Ice Cream, a beloved NPES Community Partner, as families mingled and children became the first to climb, explore, and enjoy the new space.

NPES extends its deepest gratitude to all the donors, families, and community members who made this moment possible. Your commitment to our mission and your investment in our future ensures that every student at NPES has the chance to learn, play, and grow in an environment where they truly belong.