The St. James R 1 School District is excited to announce the successful completion of a project made possible through funding from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
In October 2025, the district received the Non-Playground Scrap Tire Surface Material Grant from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The grant was designed to support projects that make use of recycled Missouri rubber products while creating meaningful spaces for students and communities.
Through the grant, the district was awarded $17,263 to purchase buddy benches and picnic tables made from recycled Missouri rubber. These additions have been placed at the elementary playground and in outdoor areas that can be used by students and staff across grade levels.
The new spaces are designed to encourage collaboration, connection, and outdoor learning opportunities. Buddy benches provide students with a welcoming place to build friendships and foster inclusion, while picnic tables create flexible spaces for classroom lessons, small group work, reading, and hands-on learning.
District leaders believe these outdoor areas will support learning beyond the classroom walls and create opportunities for students, teachers, and even community members to gather, collaborate, and connect.
The district is grateful to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for investing in projects that benefit students while promoting sustainability and the use of recycled materials.