Students were greeted with a smile and a sparkle before they reached the classroom Sept. 25 at Jerry Burnell Great Works School, where teachers in safety vests and cowboy hats helped welcome students on their walk to school.
Great Works students were dropped off up the street from the school and greeted by Superintendent Caroline Arakelian and Principal Sara Allis before walking along Academy Street to school. Allis wore a Dolly Parton-inspired blonde wig and a sparkling ensemble in appreciation of Dolly Day. Teachers stationed along the route helped students cross streets, while other staff members joined the walk.
The date, written as 9/25, offers a playful nod to Parton’s song and movie “9 to 5.” Some staff members marked the occasion with cowboy hats or sparkling accessories.
“We want our students to know that school is a place where they belong and where we can learn and have fun together,” Allis said. “Walking with them is a simple way to make those connections, and some Dolly-inspired fun doesn’t hurt.”
The school’s monthly Walk to School morning gave students and staff time together outside their classrooms, helping strengthen friendships, school pride and a sense of belonging. The walk today ended with hot chocolate and lemonade.
