The parents and students of Hawthorne Elementary lined up at the entrance of the Strawberry Farms subdivision, eager to welcome teachers and staff to their neighborhood as part of the school’s first-ever Back to School parade.
Several kids held signs with messages of love, support and excitement to return to school. Parents stood close by with their phones cued up to take pictures and videos. The parade hadn’t started and already Principal Ernest Clinksdale and Assistant Principal Kristen Millet were getting emotional.
“It was such a good reminder after having been away from kids for six months that they need us and we need them,” Millet said. “This is why we do what we do — to have those connections.”
Just days before the Westerville City School District opens its doors to students in the Blended Model on Monday, the Hawthorne Elementary team marched through neighborhoods where a majority of their students reside: Strawberry Farms and Minerva Park.
The parade is a continuation of what has become common practice at Hawthorne. Last year, the school hosted several community events including a block party at Strawberry Farms that attracted 800 families, a resource fair that connected parents to district and support services and a family fun night. The school also hosted a trip for Hawthorne families to attend a Westerville South basketball game.
“From Day 1, we believed in going to our community and letting them know we’re right here with you,” Clinksdale said.
During the remote start to the school year, Clinksdale, Millet and other staff members visited families at home to check in on students who haven’t been consistently logging into their classes.
During Friday’s parade, teachers and staff decked out in face masks and school T-shirts, carrying signs and treats for students. They cheered and waved as they walked past familiar faces and homes.
Seeing the kids’ smiling faces was energizing, Millet said.
“It’s the perfect kick-off to bringing the kids back,” Clinksdale said.