Fair Haven's "Transition Day" Tradition Still Going Strong To the Delight of Students, Staff, and Spectators

Excited shouts of "Knollwood, Knollwood!" by third grade students aboard a red trolley could be heard as it left Viola L. Sickles School on Willow Street and headed toward  Knollwood School. The trolley, festooned with white bows and ribbons, was followed by the rest of the third grade class who were chaperoned by local law enforcement officers, administrators and teachers from both schools, and eighth graders from Knollwood School -- all on bicycles.

Rounding the corner of Fair Haven Road and Third Street, they all headed uphill to begin the last leg of the journey. They were greeted along the route by supporters holding signs of encouragement and congratulations, and messages such as "Goodbye Sickles, Hello Knollwood" written in chalk on the pavement.

Welcome to Fair Haven, where the transition of third grade Sickles School students to the fourth grade at Knollwood School is a highly anticipated and celebrated event.

This year's Transition Day was held on June 3 and began, as always, at 12:30 in the afternoon.

The bright red trolley was a new addition to this year's festivities, but many aspects of the tradition -- such as the participation of eighth grade Knollwood School Peer Leaders -- have remained the same for many years.

In addition to celebrating the progression of the Sickles third graders, Transition Day also highlights the fact that a majority of Fair Haven students bicycle to school. This makes the district a standout in the state of New Jersey.

The participating eighth graders were pleased to be reliving the experience five years after they had been introduced to Knollwood School in the same way.

"It's a really great tradition, and when I was in fourth grade I decided that I wanted to become a Peer Leader so that I could ride with the incoming fourth graders," said Ellie Gibney.

Margot Ridgeway agreed, saying "I think it is a really nice experience, and a great way for the students to get to know their new school."

Upon arriving at Knollwood School, located on Hance Avenue in Fair Haven less than a mile from Sickles School, the incoming fourth grade students attended a brief assembly hosted by Principal Kevin Davis. After the assembly, they were given a tour of the school they will begin attending in September 2014 by eighth grade Peer Leaders.

"Transition Day is a wonderful experience for our parents, our students, and our staff," said Fair Haven Superintendent of Schools Nelson Ribon. "The excitement and energy it brings to our community is contagious -- it's a special day on my calendar each year."