School Open Houses Provide Community Spirit

and Elementary schools held their annual Open House events on Thursday evening. Families at both schools took part in outdoor picnics, toured silent raffle offerings, and visited the classrooms.

In addition, Willow had an art show exhibit in the multi-purpose room and auctioned off Great Works of Art pieces created by the students.

“This is our second annual school picnic/Open House, featuring Great Works of Art,” said Jessica Kiernan, Willow’s principal. “It gives the families the opportunity to be together before visiting the classrooms to see all of the wonderful student creations for the year.”

Over at Sumac, families devoured kobe beef sliders and lobster po’ boys from the Slammin’ Slider food truck, followed by soft serve ice cream from the All American Softy ice cream truck.

“Who wants to get home from work and cook just to rush out the door for Open House?” said Carol Martino, Sumac’s principal. “Having a food truck come to our Open House is a fun way to do a fundraiser that also gathers our families together and creates a true sense of community.”

District Superintendent Donald Zimring said, while visiting a Willow classroom, that he had just gotten back into town to make sure he attended both school events.

“It’s heartening to see all of the hard work that the kids put in during the school year,” said Angela Hsu-Kwan, the parent of a Willow kindergarten student. “This really is a special day.”