by Polly Attwood
In the midst of the hectic rush of back to school
events, the Family Friends set up the ‘Welcome Back’
picnic for the Boston and Concord buddies and their
families. I admit to a couple of moments wondering
why we would inflict yet another event to everyone’s
jam-packed calendar, but the answer is always clear.
Yes, we do it so that the kids can have a chance to get
together and have fun, but one big reason is to get the
parents together. Some already know each other from
past years, and it is a good opportunity to reconnect and
strengthen the friendships. Others, new to the program,
come to meet and make friends with their children’s
Concord/Boston buddies. Our hope is that it will always
be a way to begin the connectedness to the school and
the community for the Boston family, so important for
their children’s experience and success in Concord.
This year’s picnic was great! Many families,
juggling soccer games and other activities, arrived at the
Alcott School where the children had a host of activities
to enjoy – a Moonbounce (always popular), face-painting,
kite-flying, plenty of pizza and – highlight of the
day – pony rides! The two ponies and one horse were
supplied by Rivers Edge Farm, and the kids couldn’t
wait to try a ride around the field. It was so popular that
I think we will have to make it a regular feature of the
picnic. There were even a couple of parents who couldn’t
resist trying it!
Thank you to all the members of the community
who have supported METCO over the years – let me
tell you – the program is healthy, thriving, and the
rewards are huge, both for the students themselves, and
for the school system as a whole.
The Climate of the Community is the Responsibility of the Citizens of the Community