SD170’s Washington-McKinley School Celebrates 30 Days of Learning

Continuing its tradition of integrating fathers, the family unit, and friends as an essential component of success in school, CHSD170's Washington-McKinley School hosted its fourth annual '30-Day Celebration' on Friday, October 4th.

The event began with dads, family members, city officials, and community supporters lining up to applaud and "high-five" the children at the start of the school day to commend the students, emphasize the importance of learning, and celebrate the completion of the first thirty days of the academic year.

"We invited the dads, family members, and community representatives to join us in encouraging our students to keep giving their best efforts in the classroom," said Washington-McKinley Assistant Principal Dawnielle Smith.

"The number of participants continues to grow over the years, and I love seeing the excitement in the students' eyes and the warmth it brings to every adult, inspiring them one hand at a time."

Assistant Principal Joe Silvestri reiterated Smith's sentiments.

"Parents, families, community, and staff joined together to create such a positive start to our students' day."

"The event fosters a strong sense of community, and an awareness that we all play an important role in the success of our students," he concluded.

Helena Greenfield, a Social Worker at the school and member of the Washington-McKinley Partnership Building Committee, discussed the success of the activity and the impact of the event.

"We here at Washington-McKinley school are pleased to present events like this one that sends a strong and clear message of unity concerning the futures of our students," Greenfield said.

"Our goal was to conduct an activity that focused a bit more on letting our dads, guardians, and families know just how important they are to this team process in successfully educating their children."

Fifth Ward Alderman, George Brassea, III, was delighted to represent the City of Chicago Heights at the event.

"I applaud the efforts of the Washington-McKinley staff and administrators for organizing such a great event to celebrate the first 30 days of the school year," he said.