TSC schools partner with parents and the community to promote health, well-being and learning among students. While chili suppers, movie nights, concerts and school carnivals may appear to be all fun and games, they provide an opportunity to foster important partnerships between the schools and families.

At Hershey Elementary School, the Hershey PTO and Hershey Wellness Committee recently hosted a “Let’s Get Healthy” night. Wellness Coach Christy Ragsdale with NuStart Health shared information on how to prepare easy, affordable meals from whole food ingredients. Families who attended sampled crockpot chicken lentil soup and quinoa with spinach. On another evening, families took part in crossfit exercises and yoga.

Woodland Elementary School hosted an Art and Poetry Night. In addition to sharing their artwork and poems, students and their families played Pictionary, created hand masterpieces and explored famous art from around the world through Google Expedition goggles.

“At each of our family events, we treasure the time we get to see our families building relationships with each other and our staff interacting with families past and present outside of the classroom,” says Woodland teacher Anne Peters. 

Dayton Elementary School held a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) Night. Families checked out a chemistry lab, worked a LEGO assembly line and learned how to code a Sphero.

Other schools hold fitness nights, fun runs and other activities to help build stronger school communities.

“These events are a great way to bring our school community together outside of the school day,” says Hershey Principal Linda Fields. “We strive to make our school buildings a welcoming environment where students, staff and parents enjoy spending time on academic, as well as social activities.”

“The events are a great way for families to see what our students are doing in the classroom, but more importantly, it enhances the home-school connection,” says Dayton Principal Ryan Simmons.