Back-To-School Party
Fun, games and drawings along with free food and a chance to meet the teachers all took place at the party.
Noel Schools held their annual back-to-school block party Saturday at the Arvest Bank parking lot.
The parking lot filled with parents and students enjoying hot dogs and watermelon as popular music played in the background. Children played games at several stations around the area or jumped rope with friends. Teachers sat at tables, where their students could come and meet them.
Angie Brewer, assistant superintendent of the McDonald County R-1 School District, was among those helping with the event. She said Saturday was the fourth annual block party involving all area agencies and stakeholders. She noted everything was free — games, hot dogs, watermelon, new school clothes and a drawing for 50 new backpacks.
Dr. Deborah Pearson, principal of Noel Primary School, said sponsors of the event included McDonald County Telephone, United Way, MC4 Kids, Tyson, Farmers Insurance, Harps, Nestle, the National Guard and Arvest Bank.
“It’s such a great community thing. There will be 400 to 500 people come through,” she noted.
Brewer said, “We have very hardworking teachers and staff, and they just wanted to do something to give back to the community and start school off in a fun way.”
Second-grade teacher Emily Ensor is starting her seventh year at Noel. She met quite a few of her students on Saturday afternoon.
“I like (the block party) because it gives our kids a chance to meet us outside the school and they’re not as nervous,” she said.
Sixth-grade teacher Dee Drake said, “I think it’s a great community event and it lets us meet the kids in a casual way.”
Buddy Hamilton, father of Amanda and Jessie Hamilton, said of the block party, “It’s pretty neat. It’s a great idea. Every town should have something like this.”
Almeta Freeman brought her daughter, Gianna, who is going into the fourth grade.
“We enjoy it. We come every year,” she said.
Angela Powell and Michael Reppond brought their second-grader, Hope Reppond, who was jumping rope with some other children.
“We love it,” Powell said of the event. “(Hope) likes to come up here to meet her teacher (and) win prizes … but mainly she likes to see her friends.”