ORANGE — When Fisher Hill Elementary School students realized recess can be a challenging time for some children to feel included, they decided to become part of the solution.
The youngsters brought their concerns to paraprofessional Karen Perkins, and the Gaga Pit Enrichment Program began in September 2025, culminating in a ribbon-cutting ceremony and time-capsule burial on June 10. A gaga pit is a specialized, enclosed octagonal or hexagonal arena used to play gaga ball, a fast-paced, dodgeball-style game.
“This project is living proof that when you have a vision for positive change, you can make it a reality,” Perkins said in a statement. “It proves that learning doesn’t just happen inside the classroom with books and pencils. It happens out here, too — through teamwork, perseverance, engineering and collaboration.”
Students got permission and support from Principal Lisa Lewis, each dedicating more than 150 hours to the Gaga Pit Enrichment Program, which became a lesson in civic engagement, teamwork, engineering, leadership and determination.
“They researched playground solutions, wrote letters, learned how local government works, identified stakeholders and discovered who they needed to approach to make their vision a reality,” Perkins said.
The pupils also collaborated with head custodian Jason Kimball, who provided guidance on the best location for the pit and helped them understand important considerations regarding safety, accessibility and maintenance. They designed, planned, organized, advocated and eventually helped build the gaga pit.
Students then designed and created ribbon-cutting ceremony invitations that were distributed to school leaders, educators and town officials. The event’s audience included Lewis, various Fisher Hill staff members, School Committee Chair Mallory Ellis and Superintendent Elizabeth Zielinski.
Plus, the pupils buried a time capsule at the top of the hill of the playground. Objects inside include a school newspaper, pictures of 2026 items and letters written by students.
