DCD Names New Playground after Kindergarten Teacher Mary Ellen Maloney It’s official. The rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of all those gathered for the special ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 30 to celebrate the dedication of DCD’s new playground to Mary Ellen Maloney.
On a rainy fall morning, surrounded by a community of students, teachers, administrators, and parents who adore her and joined by family members who traveled from as far away as California, Mrs. Maloney received special words of appreciation for her 34 years in the classroom from Head of School Nick Thacher.
Mr. Thacher also shared the story behind the playground’s inception, funding, and construction, thanking the Class of 2014 parents, whose generosity made it possible. The parents, he said, enthusiastically endorsed the idea of naming it after Mrs. Maloney, commenting, “Fantastic! Naming the playground in honor of Mary Ellen Maloney is entirely appropriate. How fortunate DCD is to have faculty with such stamina, passion, and dedication. It’s a lovely idea.”
After the ribbon was cut with a pair of giant scissors made by a student in the DCD woodshop, Mrs. Maloney took the first run down the brand new slide to the shouts of the rapt audience of children spurring her on. Children applauded the speed at which she moved down the curving incline, no doubt aided by its slick, rain-soaked surface! The celebrations concluded with cupcakes for all to enjoy as they headed back to their classrooms.
