METCO Update from the Family Friends Council

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.