Schools
Ossining School Staff Parade a Thrill for Students and Families
Teachers of elementary and middle school students traversed Ossining Tuesday to greet children, parents and community members.
Tuesday’s Ossining School District staff parade was a great success, with close to 100 cars and police, fire and ambulance vehicles, as well as a lot of participation from children, parents and community members.
The parade for elementary and middle school students began at 3:30 p.m. in the Ossining High School parking lot. The route took staff members on dozens of streets throughout the district. The Ossining Police Department helped coordinate the event and provided escorts for the long line of cars.
In a Facebook Live session Wednesday to provide updates and answer questions, Superintendent Raymond Sanchez thanked everyone who helped and participated in the parade. “It was great to see everybody,” he said, adding that everyone was practicing safe social distancing as staff drove by.
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“It was really humbling to see everyone,” Dr. Sanchez said. “I want to thank our police department for their support in making that happen. I have to say just personally it was good for me to see so many faces and to see our children as well.”
The parade hit every neighborhood over a 2-1/2 hour period, said Micki Lockwood, STREAM educator at Claremont School. Police cars, the ambulance corps and a fire truck rounded out the line of cars. Many staff members, Ms. Lockwood included, brought their families to the event.
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A lot of vehicles were decorated with messages like “Ossining Strong,” “We Miss You” and “Ossining Pride.” Park Assistant Principal Melisa Stoller waved as she leaned out the sunroof of her car, holding red and gold star balloons. Others taped balloons and ribbons to their cars.
Children and families standing on the sidewalks held homemade signs with messages like “Ossining Teachers Rock,” “We Miss You” and “We Are All in This Together.”
“My heart is full after seeing so many smiles today at the teacher parade,” Natalie Ortiz, Park School pre-kindergarten teacher and Ossining Basics facilitator, wrote on Twitter. “I am full of emotions, tears and happiness, thank you to all the families who came out. We are in this together! I love you!”
The district is developing plans for a special event to recognize OHS students.
