Somewhere, elementary school students sat in their classrooms Wednesday, finishing up end-of-the-year lessons. Students at Rogers Elementary School, however, broke loose from their mundane day for a party.
"Today is our fun day. It's to culminate the school year. The kids have been really well-behaved, they've done a great job and it's been an interesting year with the school closing. It is a great opportunity to celebrate and enjoy the fruits of all of the hard work throughout the year. It's a chance to relax and enjoy ourselves together," said David Hickey, principal.
The day began with an hour-long concert from Glenn Colton, children's entertainer who performs character education concerts. Colton sang songs that encouraged character-building with the students. In the song "10 Things We Will do Every Single Day," students promised to always do their best; read a good book; save the manatees; be all they can be; reduce, reuse and recycle; always tell the truth; treat their neighbor with respect; exercise their bodies; listen to their teachers; and eat all of their veggies.
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Rogers Fun Day
Hickey and his staff also performed a rendition of Billy Joel's "Movin' Out" with lyrics reflecting the closing school, and the entire school joined together to sing "Happy Trails" by Dale Evans Rogers.
The afternoon also included all-school activities, with crafts, athletic events, a DJ, a school photo and a movie that deals with friendship.
"We are just trying to bring that theme together, because all of the kids will be going on to different schools. We are always focusing on trying to be good friends and meeting new people, and that it is an opportunity as opposed to something to have anxiety about," Hickey said.
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Entertainer Glenn Colton pictured above, performed for students at Rogers Elementary School for an hour on Wednesday during the school’s Fun Day event.
P-J photos by Liz Skoczylas
Hickey said he believes this will help students to feel comfortable as they begin to transition into their new buildings.
"I think it helps them to have a sense of where they are going, some of the mystery is taken away. They have been able to already interact with some of their friends that they know through soccer and other activities, neighborhood stuff. That has been a great opportunity to realize, 'Hey, I'm going somewhere where I already know people!'" Hickey said.
The Fun Fair Day was put together by Hickey and the Rogers Elementary School PTA.