To celebrate the start of the 2022-23 School Year and welcome our students and families back to campus, we hosted hundreds of students, families, staff, and community members at our cross-campus Back to School Kickback and Cookout on Saturday, August 27. Students of all ages enjoyed face painting, dancing, a 40-ft inflatable obstacle course, and other activities; families connected with each other and with school staff over shared meals; students got free school supplies and E.L. Haynes swag; and, we provided free COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters to anyone aged five and up.
This was one of our first major in-person, cross-campus events since closing our doors due to COVID-19, and we were thrilled to welcome our community back with open arms. The event, which was organized in part by Elementary School ROAR parent leader Dominique Moore, was designed to re-engage families, some of whom had never had the opportunity to visit campus before, and share important student wellness information with families.
“Today was a chance to celebrate the start of a new school year with families in a fun, welcoming, and affirming environment. Seeing classmates play together, watching older students teach younger ones how to play games, and seeing the special bond between our staff and families was really energizing,” said E.L. Haynes Chief Executive Officer Hilary Darilek.
At the student wellness tent, we hosted representatives from attendance organization Showing Up, Standing Out (SUSO), Children National Hospital’s Impact DC Asthma Clinic, Briya, and DC Public Library Petworth. We also shared information about our attendance policies, student supports, and student and family engagement.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Getting your child immunized against common, spreadable diseases is the best way to keep them in the classroom learning, and to protect their friends and classmates.”
Melissa Beasley, E.L. Haynes Director of Wellness
Families were able to get help scheduling appointments for required health screenings and immunizations, which include the COVID-19 vaccination for students ages 12 and up. (To share proof of your child’s COVID-19 vaccination, send a copy or photo of their COVID-19 vaccination card to Evelyn Marquez, COVID-19 Operations Coordinator, at emarquez@elhaynes.org.) “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Getting your child immunized against common, spreadable diseases is the best way to keep them in the classroom learning, and to protect their friends and classmates,” said E.L. Haynes Director of Wellness Melissa Beasley.
Thank you to all of the staff, parent volunteers, partner organizations, and local businesses who helped make this day a special one for so many in our community.
