Omaha school’s ‘Park and Play’ turns waiting for pickup into interactive activity

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - An Omaha elementary school is rolling out a new initiative for parents and younger children in the neighborhood — turning pickup time into something efficient and engaging.

“I don’t know why most schools don’t do it,” said mother Stormie Ramer.

The idea started simply from waiting in line.

“Someone suggested, why don’t you just bring some toys out at pickup time?” said Jill Garrett, an early childhood specialist at Westbrook Elementary.

Garrett says she wanted to find a way to involve children under the age of five before they officially begin school.

“What we’re seeing here today is called Park and Play. Where every day before dismissal, siblings come to get their older siblings,” Garrett explained.

While waiting for their brothers or sisters, younger kids can p