West Central Elementary literally rolled up their sleeves and kicked off their shoes during their “Back to School Bash,” Friday evening, on August 6.
The entire school was invited, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., to the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) event held outside at WCE’s playground; families were also invited to celebrate the occasion.
The entire playground was full of fun possibilities as students could choose to swing, climb, slide, or join the soccer game on the front lawn. The temporary tattoo station sent students off to the next fun activity sporting dinosaurs, guitars, butterflies, and hearts on their hands and arms.
The main attractions, however, were the colorful inflatables that towered over the playground. Students kicked their shoes aside and ran with excitement toward the tall bubble slide and the castle-like bounce house, provided by Just Have Fun Inflatables.
The Kona Ice truck was on hand to offer cold, colorful treats as well as the D & B Sweet Like Me food truck that specializes in phillies and sweets. Part of the proceeds from each went straight back into the school through the PTO.
“We just wanted a big welcome back for the West Central family,” fifth grade teacher and PTO President, Erin Hall, explained. “We are happy to be back together. After last year, we wanted kids to be excited to be able to come and mingle with their friends again and enjoy the whole school experience again."
Hall said that she had several teachers approach her during the summer with a desire to help plan the event. Paramount in the planning of the Bash, along with Hall, were Kindergarten teacher Hannah Woodrow, and Special Education teacher, Kira Austin.
“I think this is so important,” Woodrow said, “because last year we weren’t able to get together and it’s so nice to be able to get out here and see everyone together again.”
Austin said that each of her children have been or are currently a part of the West Central family. She expressed the importance of the event from a parent’s point of view.
“I think parents need an opportunity to come out and interact with their kids in a fun, safe environment,” she explained, “but also to interact with the school and know that we are here as part of their extended family and we want to, not just educate them during the day, but have fun with them and love on them outside school hours as well.”
“We are so grateful for teachers like Mrs. Hall, Mrs. Woodrow, Mrs. Austin, and the many others who gave of their time to make our Back to School Bash happen,” Assistant Principal, Jennifer Uldrick said. “At West Central, we value the relationships that we have with our students and their families, and this event was just one way for us to connect with each other in a spirit of fun at the beginning of the school year. We look forward to many more events like this throughout the school year!”
Welcome back Wolves!
