The community joined forces to provide Wellington School District students with not only a great party, but bags upon bags of school supplies.
“Our families get to walk away with school supplies, all for free,” said Westwood Elementary Principal Janet Kubasak.
That’s just one more thing today’s busy parents can check off their to-do list as the start of the school year approaches, she said.
The event is in its second year and is now slated to become a permanent tool and event in the district’s plans moving forward, Kubasak said.
The Wellington School District hosted its second annual Back to School Party on August 13th. (Heather Chapin–The Morning Journal)
“It’s an absolutely wonderful turnout,” he said of the hundreds of residents who attended the event.
The idea was born in early 2021 and had a lot of participation, Kubasak said.
“It will continue,” he added.
“Our superintendent, Mr. Weber, wholeheartedly supported the idea and said, ‘if you need something, I’ll make it happen,'” Kubasak recalled of the program’s launch.
In addition to distributing school supplies, the district made several organizations available to educate families about services should they need them.
A food pantry, for example, was one of the organizations available to not only distribute fresh produce, but also inform residents of its services, said Julia Alexander, an intern with the Food Justice Program through Community Services of Oberlin.
And for fun, a petting zoo greeted the children as they entered the school yard.
The Wellington School District hosted its second annual Back to School Party on August 13th. (Heather Chapin–The Morning Journal)
Cleve, an eight-year-old camel from Tennessee, was a favorite among the expansive crowd as he lay down next to his handler on the grass outside the school building.
The zoo is based in Huron County and is managed by Taylor Michel, who cared for the animals while visiting with people.
Wellington Police Officer Ken Provoznik, a longtime veteran of the department, was also on hand to greet the children and their families as they entered the building.
Kasanora Kobak was decked out in a costume depicting Elsa, a Disney character, as she also greeted families at the building’s entrance.
The large bounce houses erected next to the school entertained the youngsters for hours while their parents visited as they watched.
The event also included opportunities to sign students up for a variety of programs.
Local businesses in the village donated generously to the event, making it in part possible, Kubasak also said.
“We do this to let our community know that we care about each other,” Kubasak added.
