I forgot about the Health Fair we sponsored though 9News (local news channel in Denver) That was done for middle and high school. Lots of great info, even job info was given. I think the chair even invited the Fire Station. I remember that much because one of our Seniors will be completing his training this fall to be a firefighter! (we all wished him luck and agreed we hope he doesn't ever have to come to our homes- he agreed ).
Back when we were a much smaller school, potlucks were huge! We would have a dad dj for us and do several different door prizes. Two big ones were Zoo and Museum family memberships. A very big hit! Another year, the school had an open house and we hired an Elvis/Marilyn Monore/Roy Orbison act to perform! Awesome!
What about a "Heritage night"? You could have games, food and displays from different countries. I thought it would be great to do this with the Earth Balloon. In Denver it only costs $90 an hour with a 2 hour minimum through the Childrens Museum.
I don't know how fun this idea is, but it would be a good community building event: Family Health and Safety Fair. Call up local hospitals, police and fire departments to teach classes or put on demos. The kids can look through and sit in squad cars and a fire truck. Most blood drive organizations can do a drive as small as 2-3 beds and have a special presentation for the kids about blood and health. There are lots of options. The groups that do child ID's might come out. The Forest Service has programs on water safety and being safe camping and hiking.
We just had our first Family Dance. I was able to get a dj service to donate two hours and we purchased refreshment stuff on sale. Our local McDonalds donated their orange drink, the igloo, and cups. We had over 175 people and it was a blast. Current music was played with a couple of oldies from the 80's and 90's thrown in. Big surprise, the kids didn't actually dance, just alot of hanging out on the dance floor. But the dj and the kids reassured me this is normal.
Many suggestions to have two a year. But will need people to help with refreshment table, etc. We'll see!
Our FRC and Title I put on a "Fall Into Reading" night. The staff dresses up as story book characters and read books to their groups. Pizza is also served that night. You could even narrow that down to "A Night of Wizardy" and talk about books and movies that deal with witches and wizards or a "Fairly Tale Night".
The kids really like farm days or Old West days were they can dress up as cowboys. You may even could have a bonfire and tell cowboy stories if you have access to an area that is good for that.
How rich is your community in history? Our school has a very rich history. A committee is in process and I am not sure how we are doing this but I think it is important for children to know their roots or about the community they are living in, also I am a HUGE history fan.
Hi guys!! We are just about done for the school year and are looking forward to next year. I am just wondering if any of you have any great family event ideas to share. We have done in the past a luau, sockhop, craft night, fall fest (carnival type night),grandparent luncheon, staff parent volleyball. Our goal next year is to have a family oriented event each month so far we are planning on adding a movie night and have discussed a game night. Do any of you have anything unique?? We try to stay away from math and science nights because we can't get staff to back us. We also have all of our events free of charge for our families.Anything out there that the kids would love???Our school does a meet the teacher night and a huge block party at the begining of the year. We also have had fitness oriented nights and an arts and music showcase night. Anyone...Thanks so much!!
"When you stop learning you stop growing."
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