Welcoming fall with 'barrels of fun' at Franklin Early Childhood Center

The Franklin Early Childhood Center in Hewlett welcomed autumn with “Barrels of Fun,” an Oct. 3 event organized by the school’s Parent Teacher Association.

Families and students from the Hewlett-Woodmere school district, gathered on the childhood center’s field to enjoy bounce houses, a balloon artist, an obstacle courses, face painting, a petting zoo and music from a DJ.

“My favorite part is the bouncy houses,” Eliana Kohlnier, a FECC student said.

Tickets for the outdoor event could be pre-purchased online between Sept. 26 and Oct. 1 or at the gate for $12. Food and drink tickets were sold separately for $1.

The PTA raised funds to provide a T-shirt for all Franklin students, designed with the “love” theme selected by the association this year. The group meets monthly, throughout the school year to organize social and fundraising events for students and families in the early childhood center. Membership is open to parents and teachers for a $10 fee.

Parents and guardians accompanied the children for the entertainment filled afternoon.

“It’s nice for new parents to the district,” PTA Co-President Niomi Singh said. “It’s important to me to bring the community together.”

Lily Tong, a Franklin parent appreciates the energy release events like this allow the children.

“It burns them out, it keeps them entertained, you don’t have to worry about them, they get to run around and see their classmates,” Tong said.

Elena Warshavsky, Kohlnier’s babysitter, said the event also promotes socialization skills in students.

“I think it’s very great that the school does something like this because it helps them make friends outside of the classroom,” Warshavsky said.

Throughout the school year the PTA also organizes other events. The next one is another fall festival on Oct. 31 — Halloween — where Franklin students will receive a pumpkin.

“This one’s probably my favorite because it’s Halloween time, it’s a good time of year and you’re just meeting people and it’s great to see all the faces that you know,” Kristen Tavoularis, PTA member, said of the “Barrels of Fun” celebration. “And all the kids are together, that’s what makes this so great.”