Video from the FWISD website

On behalf of our students, staff, families and community,

Jo Kelly School would like to thank Be An Angel for this gift

and for all of the support they give us year round.

Thank You!

From the FWISD Website

FORT WORTH ISD’S WE-GO-SWING UNVEILING DRAWS ENTHUSIASTIC CROWD

Jo Kelly School’s New Playground Equipment Provides a Fully Inclusive Play Space for Students and Surrounding Community

An enthusiastic group of more than 100 braved chilly winds Nov. 18 for the rededication of the Alison Hardin Playground at Jo Kelly School and the unveiling of the new We-G0-Swing, the first of its kind in DFW, donated by their partner, Be An Angel.

Students greeted attendees as they arrived, and the large crowd of volunteers and supporters waited inside until it was time for the ceremony.

The program began with a welcome from Jo Kelly Principal Amelia McMillen and remarks from Fort Worth ISD Chief of Schools Jerry Moore. Other guest speakers included Be An Angel Chairman of the Board and NFL football legend Dan Pastorini, Be An Angel Executive Director Marti Boone, and Be An Angel DFW Chapter Chairman David Hardin.

Following program remarks, the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce assembled a group, which included FWISD Board Member Dr. Camille Rodriguez, to cut the ribbon for the new We-Go-Swing. Students eagerly tried out the swing as soon as the ribbon was cut. While students took turns on the swing, guests toured the Alison Hardin Playground and the Eli Bradford Garden of Angels, and then everyone gathered in the school gym for refreshments.

Be An Angel, headquartered in Houston, is a longtime partner of Jo Kelly School. After announcing they would soon open a DFW office, the nonprofit committed to outfitting Jo Kelly School with a new We-Go-Swing.

The We-Go-Swing provides a completely inclusive play opportunity for disabled and non-disabled play partners. Because it is a transfer-free swing, Jo Kelly students in wheelchairs can now go up the ramp and board the swing to enjoy play time with peers or parents. The Be An Angel Board of Directors allocated nearly $100,000 to install the swing, a cover, and the ramp for accessibility.

The original Alison Hardin Playground at Jo Kelly School was installed as Fort Worth’s first barrier-free playground in November 2012. The new We-Go-Swing expands the concept of an inclusive play space and invites everyone to participate.

“We are thrilled to integrate the We-Go-Swing into our playground,” said Principal McMillen. “It is the first no-transfer inclusive swing that gives all wheelchair users the freedom to be on the playground alongside everyone else. That includes disabled parents, who can now swing with their children.”