Students and families receive a sweet welcome back at WPS

By Erin Rose

Students were welcomed back to Windham Primary School with the annual “Popsicles with the Principals” event, held at the school from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 27.

For the 19th consecutive year, students and families have been
welcomed back to Windham Primary School with the annual
'Popsicles with the Principals' event held at the school on
Thursday, Aug. 27. COURTESY PHOTO 

“It gives us a way to celebrate school starting in a festive way and gives an opportunity for families to get together,” said Dr. Kyle Rhoads, the school’s principal. “They may or may not have seen friends over the summer, so it’s a chance for them to reconnect both with families and our staff as well. It’s always well attended, and weather permitting, is a good time for everyone.”

A variety of classic popsicles, the type where the top of the plastic sleeve is snipped to allow access to the icy treat, were available, including classic flavors like grape and cherry.

The “Popsicles with the Principals” event, held for the past 19 years, gives both students and families the chance to enjoy popsicles, the school’s playground and also to meet with teachers both and old. This year’s gathering allowed the students and families to meet new WPS Assistant Principal Allison Hopkins, who is joining the school this year.

“This year, it’s ‘Popsicles with the Principals’, plural, since we have an assistant principal who is new to us this year, so it was a chance for families to first meet her,” Rhoads said. “I think we’ve got a great staff coming back that is ready for the kids and families to return.”

Prior to the popsicles, some teachers provided the chance for families to explore their classrooms before the students return, allowing parents a glimpse into the learning spaces and time to connect with teachers.

“Many of our teachers, before the popsicle event, hold an open house so the parents can come in and see the room before their child shows up the following week,” Rhoads said. “We also give tours of the school for any families who might be new to the community.”

The event also allows past students to come back and grab a sweet treat while also connecting with the educators who helped them learn.

“Even some kiddos who are no longer primary school age, they may be at the middle school or the high school, they show up too,” Rhoads said. “They don’t mind getting a popsicle and they get to reconnect.”

While mostly fun, it also provides a chance for parents to handle administrative tasks before the new year begins. Required paperwork was distributed, along with information about programs available for the students.

“Families can pick up their dismissal card, which is an essential part of the dismissal process,” Rhoads explained. “There’s also some information about some of our programming, such as the Cub Scouts.”

“It’s an opportunity to learn more about the school and what’s available and get some of those logistical things taken care of,” he added.

In the new year, one thing Rhoads is looking forward to welcoming new faces to the school, as he seeks to expand the volunteers that help the school support students.

“One of the things we are going to try to do this year is really increase how we use our volunteers and increase how many volunteers we have,” he said. “We’re always looking for volunteers in many shapes and forms. It doesn’t just have to be a parent either. It can be a grandparent, an uncle, a friendly neighbor. If you want to be a part of the school and be involved, we can help find out what those ways are.”

Rhoads says he is looking forward to the return of students, as the school has been quiet over the summer months.

“The school has got a real buzz to it,” Rhoads said. “It’s welcome noise and soon there’ll be smiling faces to accompany it. We’re ready to come back.”

For more details about volunteering at WPS, visit the school’s website at https://wps.rsu14.org/. <