Family fun day in Hempstead village

A little light rain couldn’t dampen the excitement of hundreds of students and their families as they took part in the annual Family Fun Day at Alberta B. Gray Schultz Middle School on Saturday. The event is a combination of introducing new students to the middle school and sharing with parents what services are available to students and the public.

“The inception of Family Fun Day was to introduce the incoming seventh graders and families to the programs being offered at the Middle School,” said acting Superintendent Susan Johnson, who was one of the administrators welcoming students and parents. “Students make the presentations and staff are available to answer questions. A school tour is provided. The current day program has expanded to the entire community, including vendors who provide student services during the year.

It gives the district an opportunity to shine the spotlight on positive, forward-moving student activities.

Among the programs highlighted were the “My Brother’s Keeper,” the growing arts program, the summer reading program, the Middle School Band and the Empire After School Program, which is open for registration.

In addition to playing soccer and other sports, students enjoyed dropping fellow students in a dunk tank, a bounce house and summer treats, courtesy of the Hempstead school district. Student Jose Angel and Assistant Superintendent James Clark manned the book giveaway table, which had a little something for everyone’s taste.

“This is just one of the things we do for the community,” Clark said. “We want to make sure every child has books to read. I’d like to thank Jose and the other students who came out to take part in the Fun Day. It wouldn’t be the success it is without all the students taking part.”