Back to School: Muraco Welcomes Back Students

Wherever you looked Tuesday night, the playground at Muraco Elementary School was filled with students. Even though classes were still a week away, plenty of students, whether they were new to the school or entering their final year, showed up at Muraco's Welcome Back Picnic.

Maura Sullivan and Laura Colella, the co-chairs of the Muraco Parents Association (MESPA) came up with the idea two years ago. After a long summer, where a number of new students would start attending school, they figured it was a good chance for families to meet each other.

"It was an opportunity to meet new families and say hello to the old ones," Sullivan said. "It's a chance to get back in the swing of things and to get comfortable."

"It's a good way to segue to the school year," Colella said. "It's especially good for the new families who haven't gotten into the school yet. It's an opportunity to meet other families who come to the event."

Even though Sullivan and Colella have been hosting the event for one year, Principal Laurie Kirby believes as though this has become one of the staple events of the school year.

"Last year we had it and we had a good turnout, now this year, it's great" Kirby said. "This is only my second year as principal, but it's already become a tradition."

Families were encouraged to lay out a blanket, relax, have a picnic and enjoy an Italian ice when they were finished. Muraco students, siblings and relatives also got a chance play in the playground or have a kick ball game.

It was just a chance for students to get reaclimated to their surroundings, their teachers and their classmates.

"It's nice to see so many people on the playground, it's such a casual event," Colella said. "A lot of events throughout the year we do inside, so it's nice to be spread out outside over the field."

Many use this day as a preview to the first day of school, where they can relax and prepare for the real thing next week.

"It's nice to meet the community," Kirby said. "And the kids get a chance to see some familiar faces. That first day of school, there's a lot of nerves. It's nice to   see them in a more relaxed setting."