By Chris Frost
EAGLE TIMES NEWS EDITOR
CLAREMONT, N.H. — Young minds started the school year well, Saturday, August 26, as the Claremont School District, SAU 6, Back to School Festival brought students and teachers together at Barnes Park, providing backpacks, books and school supplies to area families. The festival, sponsored by Claremont Savings Bank, Ruger, DeCamp Trucking Services and Waste Management and National Field Representatives, also featured support agencies focused on child success.
School Social Worker Courtney Porter organized the event and said it’s her favorite day of the year. “We are coming together to help families remove barriers impacting kids’ ability to walk in that first day, be ready to learn, access their education and have a great year. Families check in with their schools first, get their backpack ticket and visit NFR.”
She said families get to meet their child’s school principal, student service coordinator, and teachers and grab school supplies. “It gives our students a little extra welcome. A lot of our families could be one paycheck away from losing their housing and we can remove family pressures by offering a day like today and help them feel more in control.”
She has a passion for kids and Claremont. “My Mom and son graduated and we’re all Claremonters,” she said.
School Superintendent Michael Tempesta gave away books and promoted literacy. “It’s a great event, and good to see everyone. We use our Title 1 Federal money to get the books. The kids want to learn. I’ve been a teacher most of my life and love it.”
Disnard Elementary School Student Services Coordinator Nichole Boynton and her team brought activities, books, school supplies, and games. “Our summer was busy, fun, rainy, but great. I love seeing the kid’s energy, smiles, and excitement. It makes me feel young every day.”
Boynton loves seeing the parents with the kids and making family connections. “Some kids ride the bus. It’s a great way to build relationships.”
The Maple Avenue PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) engaged students and parents and was excited to see everyone. “I have three kids, so I’m ready to get them back in school and learning,” President Heather Johnson said. “This year, we’re having Zoom links for our meetings and provide childcare.”
Johnson said the PTO has book fairs and its “Penguin Patch” event each winter. “Kids can come in and shop for their family. They get to pick what their families want and give them independence to pick gifts.”
Claremont Kiwanis Club President Suzanne Boynton and her team distributed popsicles to the kids. “We spend our year raising funds for kids. I’m a teacher and times have changed. We encounter things every year but supporting children is our future and hope.” For more information.
Valley Regional Hospital Communications Specialist Savannah Tyrrell thinks the festival is a great way to get into the community and meet people. “Our staff donated a lot of school supplies, and we’re informing people about our upcoming events. We did some fun things internally to raise the bar and get school supplies.”
She said the hospital wants to build community trust. “We’re accepting patients and support patients mentally and physically.”
Ashley Neal from TLC Family Resource Center offered supportive programs, including home visits for new and pregnant moms, families and youth programs. “This event is great. We also have recovery programs to support anyone struggling with substance abuse issues.”
Youth Program Outreach Coordinator Bryanna MacConnell said their sexual health information program focuses on social and emotional skills, decision-making and risk-taking behavior. “We’re looking to expand. We’re a work in progress.”
New student Oakley Anderson practiced getting on and off the bus. “The festival is good for him and gets him used to a big crowd,” dad Lauren Guerin said.
For more back-to-school information, visit www.sau6.org.
As your daily newspaper, we are committed to providing you with important local news coverage for Sullivan County and the surrounding areas.