Fall Fest 2011 at UM Primary School a Well-Attended Event

The Home and School Association’s (HSA) annual Fall Fest, which took place at the Primary School Sept. 23, is the HSA's biggest fundraiser of the year.

Great food, games and prizes ensured there was no shortage of smiles despite the inclement weather.  

Oh, there was also a giant inflatable slide.

Upon entering the cafeteria, someone who went through the school district system might be reminded of the Cold Spring Fairs of the 1990s. Those fairs were the predecessor of the current festivals, annually held at the primary school since 2004.

That was the year Round Meadow and Cold Spring merged, according to Shannon McMullen and Dan Sullivan, two teachers who volunteered to coordinate the event.

“This is the biggest fundraiser of the year,” said McMullen.  “It helps finance assemblies for the kids, including a puppet show and topics like healthy eating habits, as well as holiday activities.”

There were games of luck, spin art, face painting, toys, and a variety of food including snacks, hot dogs, Domino’s pizza, hoagies, popcorn and beverages, as well as a table filled with baked goods donated by parents. 

Entering the raffle gave participants a chance to win one of a dozen-or-so-themed gift baskets jointly donated by parents and teachers.

“The kids were really excited about the Phillies and Eagles [gift baskets],” says Jessica Pambianco, mother of two first graders, adding,  “It’s nice to meet some of the other parents because we’re new.”

Intermediate School HSA president Kari Kane expressed the gravity of parental support. 

“Families need to understand that their involvement is really important,” Kane said. 

Kane added that although the event is held for students in kindergarten through second grade, everyone is invited. 

“Kindergarten parents can be reluctant to come because they are new, and by the time they do come around, their child is moving onto the intermediate school or will be in another year,” said Kane. “It’s important for parents to get involved from the start.”

The event is advertised to both parents and primary school students. 

According to first-grade teacher Lauren Standen, “It’s announced through the loud speakers to the kids, and also emailed to parents on the mailing list, which they are encouraged to sign up for.”

The festival is the biggest of four annual fundraisers for the   It was made possible with the support of the parents, the hard work of the faculty, and the enthusiasm of the children. 

Fall Fest 2011 was sponsored by the HSA, Domino’s Pizza, The Hatboro Market and Deli, and .