For Immediate Release

September 2004

Dedication of New Kindergarten Playground Honors Former Springhurst Principal

Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. September 24, 2004—The Dobbs Ferry School District will hold a dedication ceremony for the new Georgiene Dempsey Kindergarten Playground on Friday, September 24^th at 9:30 a.m at the elementary school.  Named in honor of Mrs. Dempsey’s long and inspired tenure as principal of Springhurst, the new playground is a structural oasis for five-year-olds.

Situated right next door to their classrooms, some 89 kindergarteners will use the new playground facility, which was designed and approved by the Springhurst Compact Committee. Parents, faculty and community representatives were all involved in the planning and implementation process. The area includes “age appropriate equipment and is very kid friendly” according to Springhurst Principal Doug Berry.

Funds for the construction of the new playground were raised from the annual Dobbs Ferry Schools Foundation (DFSF) spring gala, and a fundraising letter that went directly to the school community soliciting donations in honor of Mrs. Dempsey. “The response was wonderful and this playground is really a gift from the community,” noted DFSF co-President Abby Connett. The Foundation will be sponsoring a “Come Play On The Playground” fall event on Saturday, October 30^th from 9-11 a.m. to welcome new Kindergarten parents to Springhurst, see the playground equipment in use, and introduce them to the Foundation. Refreshments will also be served.

For More Information, Please Contact:

Public Information Officer, Liz Hausman (914) 693-1500 x3013

DFSF Co-President, Abby Connett (914) 693-9127