For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Esten Elementary School Hosts Successful Second Annual Cookout

ROCKLAND — For the second year in a row, students, faculty and families from Esten Elementary School came together for a neighborhood cookout.

On Friday, Sept. 21, the Esten School community gathered at Spring Gate Apartments, 52 Hannah Way, for an afternoon of good food and company.

Given the success of the inaugural cookout last year, Principal Marilyn Smith was eager to continue the tradition that she initiated after reading the book, “Kids Deserve It” by Todd Nesloney and Adam Welcome. The book details innovative approaches for teachers to connect with students on a more personal level.

“Our picnic was an enormous success because it brought many of the concepts I read about to life, creating a fun, low-stress environment for students and staff to get to know one another,” Smith said. “I wish we could do this in every neighborhood in town. The children love to have their teachers come to their turf. They love to show us their things — everything from their bikes and little brothers and sisters, to the way they shoot baskets!”

The entire Esten staff gathered on one of the basketball courts at Spring Gate. Sporting matching t-shirts, teachers interacted with their students while custodian Bill McGarry served up hot dogs for everyone. The Esten PAC provided other snacks and treats for the children and their families.

Representatives from Renewal By Andersen were also in attendance, and donated 50 colorful backpacks that students could then fill up with books, collected by district Title One Director Karen MacKinnon, and other goodies.The backpack donation was made possible by Esten kindergarten teacher Lisa Scanlon, whose husband works for the company.

“I am so proud to be a part of a school community that consistently goes above and beyond to foster the kinds of relationships that lead to student success,” said Superintendent Dr. Alan Cron, who also stopped by the cookout. “What a fun and inspiring afternoon.”

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