Phanatic makes return visit to Goddard School
‘Faces light up’: Beloved mascot joins community together
The Phillie Phanatic made his annual appearance at The Goddard School in Gilbertsville.
“The Phanatic comes, and he goes classroom to classroom,” Director Michelle Lawrence said. “It makes us feel like a community.”
The Phanatic has been visiting the kids for seven years now, according to Lawrence. It started when a friend of Owner Salvatore Boccella III offered. Boccella said he enjoys seeing the kids’ smiling faces in an event that brings the community together.
“It spiralled into having it annually,” Lawrence said. “They love the Phillie Phanatic.”
Lawrence added that the about 100 kids’ “faces light up” when the Phanatic enters the room.
The Goddard School, at 2912 North Charlotte St., Gilbertsville, brings other visitors for the children during the summer as well, Lawrence said. She mentioned talks about endangered animals, baking, juggling, and archeology.
“They were actually able to dig in the sand and find dinosaur bones,” Lawrence said.
Tuesdays and Fridays in the summer are the school’s “Splash Days,” in which kids get to play and conduct “experiments” with set-up sprinklers.
Lawrence mentioned a game where the kids had to pass water between cups over their heads and see who “got the most water” in the end.
In addition to these activities, The Goddard School takes field trips throughout the summer. Lawrence said these include to: Elmwood Park Zoo, Alll Sports Center, Manderach Park, and – their upcoming trip – to the Da Vinci Science Center.
The Goddard School tries to continue the communityoriented trips and visitors throughout the school year as well, Lawrence said.
“In October we have the community helpers,” Lawrence said, adding that it “extends” the students’ learning.
This event includes the appearance of local fire fighters and police officers.
The Goddard School system is centered around its motto of “Learning for fun. Learning for life,” according to its website. The curriculum is play-based and ensures “that children from six weeks to six years old have fun while learning the skills they need for longterm success in school and in life.”