Westside Elementary Celebrates Arbor Day

April 7, 2015

Westside Elementary is becoming a little 'greener' with the addition of four new trees to be planted next to the school playgrounds. With the help from the Cabot Lions Club, Steeplechase Apartments and the Cabot Home Depot these trees were planted by the Arkansas Forestry Commission's John Pressgrove, Forest Ranger David Sears, and second grade students.

Mayor Bill Cypert proclaimed April 7, 2015 as Arbor Day in the City of Cabot and he urged all citizens to celebrate this day and to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands.

Each second grade class named a tree that will be planted at the school: The Giving Tree, Okie Dokie Tree, Fantastisch Tree, and The Westside Wishing Tree.

In addition to the trees, Westside Elementary has joined the nation-wide initiative to install Buddy Benches on elementary playgrounds (see http://buddybench.org/).

The buddy bench concept originated as a simple idea to eliminate loneliness and foster friendship on the playground.  With the addition of five buddy benches on the playgrounds, Westside students will make quick connections at recess.

Westside Elementary would again like to thank the Cabot Home Depot for donating the materials and PTO member Candice Onken and her husband Brock for constructing and painting the benches.