Parent support revved up on the East Bank

Schools’ ‘fun night’ draws teachers and kids from three area schools

Courtesy Photo

FAMILY FUN NIGHT. Students from three schools gather around to see if they hold the winning ticket for the top prize at New Sarpy Elementary’s fun night.

Harry Hurst Middle, Ethel Schoeffner Elementary and New Sarpy Elementary joined together to host a community after-school event at the New Sarpy playground park.

And although the schools involved children of different grade levels, the group has decided that joining together to support the children in the community is a good idea.

The community outreach events are geared towards increasing parent involvement in the school system by allowing teachers, parents and administrators to all work together. Jenny Lind, administrative assistant for New Sarpy Elementary School, was one of six administrators present at the park.

“It's a team effort,” she said. “We had so much fun partnering with our neighboring schools and seeing all of our children and their extended families outside of our regular school setting.”

There were various tables set up where students could get school supplies like notebooks, pencils and other essentials.

“We also gave away books to parents and students,” she said. “The kids ate pizza and everyone there had a really good time. It was a good turn out.”

Overall, Lind estimates about 100 people attended the event.

“We chose to partner with the three schools because we want to continue to work together and support the children through this cooperative effort,” she said. “We need a whole team effort - children, parents and teachers working together.”

Lind says the school hosts community outreach events like this one at least twice a year.