Pony rides and rabbits drew children into the courtyard at Old Rochester Regional (ORR) High School on Saturday, while crafts, hair braiding and a puppet show offered more to explore inside.
The October 24 Fall Family Fun Day & Craft Market supported the school’s Early Childhood Education Program, bringing together activities for young children, shopping for adults and information about resources for families.
ORR’s Early Childhood Education program is a career and technical education program for students interested in working with young children as aspiring teachers, child development specialists, pediatric nurses or doctors. Launched in 2020, the program offers the opportunity for ORR students to earn the Department of Early Education and Care Teacher certification and obtain college credits in child growth and development through Bristol Community College. During their four years, they obtain more than 150 hours of classroom experience at the onsite preschool laboratory classroom, according to the ORR School District website.
Early Childhood Education teacher Liz Kennedy said the program enrolls just about 100 students in grades nine through 12. About 25 worked at Saturday’s event, with students across the grades contributing to the planning.
“I think it’s really important for students to learn how to engage with children outside of the classroom,” Kennedy said.
Working at a community event also gives students practice communicating with parents and developing customer service skills, she said.
Senior Ava Ross-Sinkler was checking in visitors, with plans to move around and help elsewhere once she finished at the entrance. She plans to study nursing after graduation.
Kennedy said students in the program are considering careers including preschool teaching, social work, nursing and pediatrics.
The event also provides a way to support their education. Kennedy said a grant received for a previous event paid for popcorn, cotton candy and hot dog machines that the program can continue using at community gatherings.
“All of the money that we earn goes back to the students, field trips and community events like this,” she said.
This year, organizers paired the family activities with a craft market to appeal to adults as well as children. Fifty vendors lined the school’s halls.
Children could sample three varieties of apples, decorate crafts, have their faces painted and receive free doughnuts. Sophomore Madeline Costa braided the hair of Macy Dunlap, of Rochester, while other families watched a puppet show. Outside, four rabbits and a sheep offered opportunities for a closer look at animals, alongside the pony rides.
Britney Nelles, Quinn’s mother, said the family learned about the event through a flyer received through her son’s pre-K program at Center School.
Another parent, returning with family after attending the previous year, said, “We came last year, and we really enjoyed it.”
The day also introduced visitors to support available beyond the event. Marianne Murphy, who coordinates the local ParentChild+ program, said two home visitors currently serve six families. The free, grant-funded program brings books and educational toys into homes to encourage reading and learning through play.
Murphy also distributed backpacks containing books, toys, bubbles and paints to Family Fun attendees.
By Jeanne Hopkins