We sure start some things early here. 5:30 am, and we already have some parents here at school getting ready for the many hungry mouths that will arrive shortly after 7:00 am. The griddles are heating up, and the coffee is brewing.

Yesterday, many volunteers (adults and students alike) set up the tables and chairs, arranged tablecloths and poinsettias on each table, and made sure the gym was ready. In our small gym, one of our parent volunteers organized several grade 7 students (and a couple of grade 2 students) to set up some craft tables for the younger children. We also have some face painting in the front hallway.

I have been to many successful pancake breakfast events over the past number of years, and they are wonderful in how they bring together so many volunteers and generate such a positive school spirit. Children eat with their families, and the many of the smiles that start while sharing pancakes last throughout the day. Fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers all sit with their friends and families, and many grandparents, aunts, uncles or cousins often join in on the fun.

School would be dull and rather uninteresting without the efforts and countless number of volunteers hours our parents, students and staff put in each and every week. From extracurricular activities, clubs, social events, food days, homework support, library helpers, classroom helpers, traffic safety, field trip drivers, musical events, playground mentoring, buddy reading, grade 7 dances, pancake breakfast, etc. The list is too long to share here, but I feel it is important to acknowledge, celebrate and thank all those members of the Cleveland Elementary School Community who take time from their lives to volunteer for our students.

Thank You!

We couldn’t do it without you.

Take care.