Bend Area students were “takin’ it to the streets” Tuesday evening when the Town of New Haven held a street dance party in front of the fire station. The event was one of two back-to-school events hosted. The second was a back-to-school bash at New Haven Elementary School.
Kindergarten teacher Ann Wolfe is pictured as she hands out freeze pops at the New Haven Elementary School back-to-school bash held Tuesday evening. Rain forced the event inside, but not before children were treated to inflatables, food, and meeting their teachers.
NEW HAVEN Spotty downpours hit the Bend Area Tuesday evening, but even they couldn’t stop the excitement of the students at two back-to-school events.
Both New Haven Elementary School (NHES) and the Town of New Haven held festivities for the children, who officially began classes today.
While NHES started its back-to-school bash outdoors, participants were forced to move inside the school as the rain showers struck. It did not stop the fun, however.
Students met their teachers for the new year, as each grade had a table set up with activities or treat bags. A free book was given to each child, and all attending were treated to hotdogs, chips, drinks and freeze pops that were provided by the teachers.
Parents learned about the many programs at NHES, including parent-teacher involvement, and the health programs as explained by school nurse Samantha Knapp. Door prizes of school supplies were awarded at the conclusion of the event.
Children then made their way to the streets, as the Town of New Haven held its annual street dance party in front of the fire station. The road was closed to traffic to allow the students to enjoy dancing, football, hula hoops and sidewalk chalk.
Recorder Roberta Hysell said over 85 backpacks filled with school supplies, lunch boxes, and free haircuts donated by Foxy Locks were given out during the event.
Businesses and residents donated supplies, as well as money, to make the event special for the students. Hysell said while shopping for school items in a Gallipolis store, a stranger handed her $20 when she learned what all the supplies were for.
Disc jockey Bernita Allen provided the music for the street dance, and also assisting Hysell were Jessica Greene and members of the fire department. Refreshments were served, including pizza donated by Gino’s. The Mason County Prevention Coalition and Wahama High School Students Against Destructive Decisions (S.A.D.D.) also handed out Frisbees, balls, and other items.
Mindy Kearns is a freelance writer for Ohio Valley Publishing who lives in Mason County.
