D124's Back-to-School Bash is a Smash

Submitted by Claudia Park | Dist. 124

Evergreen Park Elementary School District 124 generated enthusiasm for the new school year at the district’s third annual Back to School Bash on August 14.

Parents, students, teachers, staff and community members gathered to commemorate the end of summer and beginning of the school year.

In addition to great fun, the bash offered D124 the opportunity to raise funds for its foundation. The Evergreen Park Dist. 124 Foundation was established to bring educational tools and technology to the students by making small funds quickly accessible to teacher needs.

After its third year, many parents agreed the event brings the community and district together.

“We love D124. This is the third child we’ve put through school here,” said Eddie McDermott, whose wife, Bernadette, was doing DJ duties.

The McDermotts’ daughter, Lily, is starting kindergarten at Southeast.

“I have nothing but good things to say. They’re fantastic,” McDermott said.

There were also a few newcomers.

Matt and Sheryl Webster said it was their first time at a D124 back to school bash. Their daughter, Melanie, will be starting kindergarten at Southwest.

“It’s a little overwhelming sending her to school for a full day,” said Sheryl Webster, who is expecting her second child in October. “But, we’ve been made to feel welcome. Registration and the packet pickup were easy.”

During the back to school bash, D124 provided a fun AND educational experience to the community by partnering with the Evergreen Park police and fire departments.

Evergreen Park police offered child ID’s.

“This is popular among parents,” said Officer Patrick Cunico. “It’s good having these pictures in our database. It’s been helpful in the past when children have wandered off.”

Evergreen Park firefighters said they want kids to know who they are and what they look like before an emergency occurs so they’re not afraid.

“Firefighters aren’t scary. We’re community helpers,” said Lt. Ed Dunne. “These are our work clothes and we’re the only ones that wear these colors.” He said, while picking up a child sized, black and yellow firefighter uniform. Several students dressed themselves in the uniforms and took turns pretending to drive the parked firetruck.

The back to school bas culminated with D124 Superintendent Dr. Robert Machak, announcing the winners of several raffles. Each school offered an honorary principal for the day prize. There were also gift cards, limo and firetruck ride winners, and even a couple of popular electronics.

As folks filed away, heading to their cars, fourth grade student, Samantha Ricks, from Northeast said, “This was awesome. I liked the food, the face painting and especially being able to see my friends.”

Photo 1: Tracy and Samantha Ricks

Photo 2: Violet Summers and her friend, Southeast kindergarten student Lily McDermott. Violet and Lily are old pals from the Evergreen Park Community Center’s pre-school.

Photo 3: Matt and Sheryl Webster, and their daughter, Melanie, who is starting kindergarten at Southwest.