Archives > What We've Done 2007 - 2008
Archives 2007-2008
World's Fair 2007
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Wes Greenop, McKinley PTA President 2007-2008 |
The school and the community took great pride, and exerted a high level of energy and enthusiasm in bringing this marvelous event to everyone again this year. This event marked a special time for our community to celebrate the nations and cultures that are represented here at McKinley, as well as the global environment in which we live today. McKinley was transformed into a world showcase to display the spirit and feelings that are experienced in the McKinley community.
The day officially began as Kenneth Flatto, Fairfield's First Selectman, Dr. Dale Bernardoni, McKinley's Principal and Wes Greenop, McKinley's PTA President each reflected on the importance of the day as a celebration of the diversity and cultures represented at McKinley. Immediately following the opening remarks, the Parade of Nations began. Children and adults, many dressed in their native attire paraded around the gymnasium, holding country banners and waiving flags. Each country marched onto the stage where their country was recognized one by one, totaling 25 in all. At the end of the Parade, all those marching were on the stage, with McKinley parent Michael Gurge singing the American National Anthem.
Throughout the day, there was international entertainment consisting of music and dance on the gymnasium stage to experience and enjoy. The various proud groups which performed were as follows:American Music Medley by Kate Miserochi
Fairfield Gaelic Pipe Band
McKinley Singers perform International Songs
Hagua, Guatemalan Folklore Dance
Mexican Lindo Dancers
Fairfield Chinese Academy
Lenihan School of Irish Dance
Orleta-White Eagle Polish Club
Fairfield Masala - Indian Dancers
The children had many opportunities to enjoy the day while enhancing their understanding of diversity. There were several tables consisting of international crafts which allowed the children a chance to create special crafts. In the first and second grade hallway, there was an international obstacle course for the children to both learn and have fun. In addition, the passports that the children received at the admissions table allowed the children to match a country’s greeting to the appropriate country by visiting the international tables. Children received a special prize if all the greetings were matched to the country.
There were international tables representing 25 countries throughout the gymnasium where families proudly display precious items from their homelands in order to celebrate their country and teach everyone about their native cultures.The various nations which were represented were as follows: Australia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Egypt, England, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Hungary, India, Jamaica, Iraq, Ireland, Jamaica, Mexico, Peru, Romania, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden and Uruguay
In the cafeteria behind the gymnasium, there were International and American foods for lunch. The international foods consisted of a Mediterranean plate (thanks to our friends at Bella Sera), the Asian plate (thanks to our friends at Twin Lions) and the Latino plate (thanks to our friends at Lupita’s). McKinley families also donated Greek salad and rice and beans to help support the International foods. Our friends at David Grant caterers provided the American fare of hamburgers, cheeseburgers and hot dogs. The international bake sale was an exceptional presentation of a variety of international desserts and treats. It was enjoyed by all!
Also in the cafeteria 40 items were raffled off or sold to the highest bidder through a silent auction. Many of the donated items were from local merchants who continuously support the McKinley community. The major raffles items this year included High School Musical on Ice tickets at the Arena at Harbor Yard, Autographed 2007 All-Star bat signed by Mets outfielder Moises Alou, Autographed Home Run Derby bat signed by the 2007 Home Run Derby Champ Vladmir Guerrero of the LA Angels of Anaheim and a World Globe from Where in the World.
This wonderful event was supported by over 100 volunteers which includes volunteers from Sacred Heart University, Fairfield University, Fairfield Warde High School, Fairfield Ludlowe High School and Wakeman’s Boys and Girls Club. These dedicated volunteers were on hand to assist with the children’s games and crafts, as well as the various areas throughout the day.
Once again, thanks go to all of the hardworking and dedicated parents, teachers, staff and children who worked tirelessly in the past several months to bring this entire event together. A special thanks the various chairpeople who put this wonderful event together:
Admissions: Bev Greenop
Audio/Music: Marvin Parsons
Crafts: Kathy Reddy
Entertainment: Patty Mihaylo
Food: Wes Greenop
International Games: Wendy Bleggi
International Bake Sale: Patty Mihaylo
International Tables: Pilar Munday
Internal Signage: Kim Barron
Raffles: Eileen Gombos
Signage/Communications: Cliff Jones/IIlya Berecz
Volunteer Coordinator: Sheila Sullivan
Overall Coordinator: Marie Stalling
Holiday Craft Fair 2007
The McKinley Craft Fair was held on Saturday, November 17, 2007. Returning in 2006 after several years of being absent at McKinley, the Holiday Craft fair is once again wonderful fundraising event for the school. Over 40 exhibitors and top quality vendors showcased their beautiful, handmade crafts just in time for the holiday season. The exhibitors included Pat Piddington, the president of the McKinley School PTA in 1983! This wonderful craft fair day, combined with raffles and refreshments for sale raised over $3,300 for the McKinley School PTA for cultural arts programs, field trips and classroom grants!
Road to Freedom 2008
Once again McKinley, Stratfield, Riverfield and Osborn Hill students came together to see the very powerful and moving The Road to Freedom. The performance was a tribute and retrospective of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King's life and his impact on the civil rights movement. Produced by the Theater Garden Company, this performance was part of a "meet and greet" program initiated by Past PTA President, Dyan DeCastro in order to bring 5th graders together from the four above mentioned schools so that the students could mingle before attending Roger Ludlowe Middle School.
Variety Show 2008
It is a long standing McKinley tradition that the McKinley School PTA supports an annual “Variety Show” showcasing the talents of McKinley children, parents and even teachers! It is a fun filled evening for all to enjoy. The March 2008 Variety Show theme was “Happy Days” which consisted of over 30 acts of singers, dancers, entertainers and a wonderful performance from the “Ballet for Breakfast” ballet dancers.Thanks to parents Jim Wittstein, Stevie Rival, Fran Tartamella, Lorraine Stopa, Julie Power and Marvin Parsons for all their help in making this year’s Variety Show a huge success!
Carnival 2008
The Annual McKinley School Carnival was held from Thursday, April 24 to Sunday April 27, 2008 at Jennings Beach. Beautiful weather contributed to the huge success for this carnival. McKinley continued to partner with Stewart Amusements to offer traditional rides, games and prizes for not only the McKinley families but the Fairfield and surround communities as well. 
Food consisting of hamburgers, hot dogs and beef brisket sandwiches were available, thanks to our association with Ash Creek Saloon. This year, a fourth night was added (Thursday) to allow more family fun time at the carnival. Both Thursday and Friday nights were wristband nights, adding to the success of the events.This year’s carnival raised over $28,000 to support the PTA programs and events for the upcoming school year.