by Sarah Napier, METCO Family Friend
Concord’s METCO Family Friends Program, which matches Boston and Concord families to foster friendships and support, is off to a great start this year. The three elementary schools welcomed 16 new Boston students, joining the 167 students in older grades.
In October, Boston and Concord Families met at Alcott School for our annual ‘Welcome Back Picnic.’ Boston and Concord students enjoyed pony rides, the moon bounce, playing on the playground and sharing picnics together. Students also met at Shelburne Farms in Stow for an afternoon of apple picking, a hayride and, of course, cider donuts! Events for later in the year include ice skating and a speaker for parents at our ‘Dessert and Discussion.’ Parent volunteers on the Family Friends Committee continue to reach out to participants to hear about their experiences in the program and the relationships that are developing between students and families.