Sibyl Stevens, PTO/C.A.R.E. chair, helps youngsters in Margaret Huff’s Kindergarten put their pennies into the Pennies for a Playground container. PHILLIPS — Many hands make light work. We’ve all heard that one before.

Right now, at the Phillips Elementary School, all the little hands are bringing in their pennies —and nickels, dimes, and quarters, too— to help raise money for a new and improved playground.

Though the Phillips school boasts a large play area, the equipment on it is extremely well-used and greatly in need of a facelift. Most of it has been in place since the opening of “the new school” in 1988. It was a project of the community and the parent/teacher organization at that time, as well.

The current PTO, C.A.R.E., is hoping to enlist the many hands of the Phillips area to aid in the playground update. Pennies for a Playground is one of several fundraising projects now in the works. A second project is the Phillips Elementary School Cookbook, which will feature the favorite recipes, timely tips, and helpful hints of students, parents, teachers, staff, and the community at large. All proceeds from the sale of these cookbooks will go directly to the playground fund.

Those interested should submit their contributions in any of the following categories: appetizers and beverages; soups and salads; vegetables and side dishes; meats, poultry, wild game, and seafood; breads and rolls; desserts; special recipes, such as gluten free and diabetic; and hints and tips. Be sure to include the category in which your recipe falls, and your name, grade, and/or title. Deadline for submission is Dec. 14. The book will be produced in-house to keep costs down. The plan is to have it ready for sale at SpringFest 2010.

Send your submission to school with a student or bring it in yourself. As soon as an account has been created, you will also be able to submit your contribution via e-mail, which will make for easier conversion.

The Phillips Kindergarteners have had a very busy fall. Besides helping to kick off the Pennies for a Playground fundraiser, they attended Ag Day at Farmington Fair, where 8th graders from Phillips were among the presenters, demonstrating how to make apple cider, teaching about pumpkins, and serving as docents in the historical museum. They’ve been on a nature walk around the school grounds and enjoyed a special Halloween story hour with former teacher Karen Calloway as guest reader. Other Halloween activities included the K - 4 annual Halloween Parade downtown and decorating Halloween cookies provided by Jen Hawkes.

Parent volunteer Diana Thomas helped the children make pottery nature bowls. Their fourth grade Buddy Readers do a regular story time with them and assist them in learning computer skills. After completing their three-way student-parent-teacher conferences and a variety of Thanksgiving activities, the little ones are eagerly anticipating upcoming Christmas fun.