Submitted by Debra Smith
Calhoun County, WV— On October 23, the Calhoun Middle/High School Baseball Field transformed into a vibrant celebration of fall and family as nearly 500 children and their families attended the annual Parent Family Engagement Night at the Pumpkin Patch.
This beloved event was made possible through a collaborative effort between Calhoun County Schools, Save the Children, Communities In Schools, and Title I. Together, these organizations created a welcoming space where families could learn, play, and connect.
Attendees enjoyed a wide range of activities designed for all ages, including:
– A story walk featuring the seasonal favorite, Skeletons for Dinner
– A pumpkin picking station
– A creative art booth for seasonal crafts
– Games, door prizes, and a festive costume contest
In addition to the fun, families participated in informational sessions focused on student success and well-being. These included:
– Attendance Matters: Missing School = Missing Out — highlighting the importance of consistent attendance
– Student Services Overview — offering parents insights into how to support social-emotional learning at home and access resources available at school, such as special education services, contracted therapy, counseling, and support from Communities In Schools (CIS) facilitators
The evening also featured a special visit from Smokey Bear in recognition of Fire Safety Month, delighting children while promoting important safety messages.
The event’s success was made possible by the generous support of community vendors, volunteers, and local businesses who donated supplies, pumpkins, and prizes. Their contributions helped create a memorable experience for families and reinforced the importance of community partnerships.
“When families, schools, and community organizations come together, children thrive — and that’s exactly what this night was all about,” shared one event organizer.
One student attendee remarked, “I loved picking out my pumpkin and making sensory bottles with my family. It was the best night ever!”
Events like Pumpkin Patch Night highlight the vital role of family engagement in education and the power of collaboration in nurturing Calhoun County’s youngest learners.
For more information about upcoming events or how to get involved, please contact Calhoun County Schools or visit https://boe.calhoun.k12.wv.us/.
