Pirates reconnect

PERKINS TWP. — Pirates took over Perkins High School's yard for the third year in a row. Perkins Schools' annual Back to School Bash returned on Thursday with the help of the district's social worker, Sarah Bowerman. The district invites its community out to the event as a way to meet up with classmates and enjoy a night of fun before the new year starts, which, this year, occurs on Aug. 21. In past years, Perkins Schools invited district stakeholders and community organizations out and provided events, like Popsicles with Principals, a bounce house and an instrument try-out activity for students to play music. This year, the tradition continued with: • Treats provided by Kona Ice • Family-friendly games, like gagaball • Many entities providing resources and information, handing out snacks, like cookies, and souvenirs, such as sunglasses and water bottles The first 200 attendees also received a free backpack at the event. Paula Lapata was in line with one of her daughters, Remi Lapata, for a backpack. "We're here to have fun trying to get them excited for school," Paula said. Remi, meanwhile, was there to simply "just have fun." Remi is 7 years old and will be going into second grade this coming school year. This will be her last year at Furry Elementary School with principal Eric Kaman, who was also at the back-to-school event. Kaman and the other principals were stationed at a booth ready to meet with their upcoming students and hand out popcorn and sunglasses. "There's a lot of interactions with families that haven't seen each other all summer," Kaman said. "It's exciting to see them before we get officially started for the school year." A big reason for hosting this event every year is about connections, according to Kaman. He said the event allows not only the district to reconnect before the year starts, but it also connects those within the district with the resources they have in their community. "That's really what a school should be about," Kaman said. "Where you can be the hub to bring everything together."