A frosty night February 8th didn’t deter 85 students and their families from attending and partaking of the wonderfully warm and inviting atmosphere at the Lincoln School Valentine’s Ball.
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Pre-K through second grade girls and boys many dressed up in fancy, semi-formal attire and their moms, dads, siblings and other extended family members came out to the school for the fun-filled, annual event.
Always lovely and thoughtfully planned to make it extra-special, the Valentine’s Ball centered around the decorated gymnasium where tables were set up for craft making and upbeat music for dancing.
Lincoln School physical education teacher Kevin Pease created the music playlist for dancing and Lincoln and Perkins School Assistant Principal Ian Mutch was the DJ.
Digital photography equipment was provided by Tiffany Hubright owner of Pixture It Photography of Newark. Student volunteers Emma Warrington and Ava Erb, Midlakes seventh graders, took the photos at the very popular station that families waited in line to have their photos taken.
Students and their families also enjoyed making Valentine-related crafts in a classroom and in the UPK and Kindergarten hallway.
In honor of retired UPK teacher Stephanie Joyce, who came up with the Valentine’s Ball idea several years ago and who was devoted to giving back to the community, attendees could opt to make Valentine cards that will be given to DeMay Living Center residents that UPK and Kindergarten students have been visiting throughout the school year.
Pizza, chocolate milk, and water were served at the “Sweetheart Dinner” in the cafeteria by retired teacher and substitute Penny Atwell and UPK teacher assistants Erin VanCamp and Gina Landry.
There was no cost to anyone attending the event. The cost of the entire event was underwritten by the PTA.
Local sponsors included:
Upstate Farms: milk
Walmart: a gift card to purchase craft station items
Spinco: craft station items
Wegmans: gift card to purchase water
Pixture It Photography: photo booth equipment
Motts: applesauce
BB's Pizzeria: discounted pizzas
Sweet Treats by Kayleigh at Nana’s Catering: discounted cookies and frosting
At the end of the evening, children were given decorate-your-own cookie kits and a party favor from the treasure chest that were provided by the PTA.
Shuttle bus service to the event was provided by the school district from nearby Newark-Wayne Community Hospital where many people parked their vehicles. The hospital also provided coat racks for the evening.
Lincoln School Principal Kari Hamelinck thanked everyone who helped make the event extra special.
“We are honored to continue the tradition of the Valentine’s Ball. We could not do it without the help of our sponsors, family volunteers, staff volunteers and student helpers.
Staff volunteers included: Elaine Erb, Gina Landry, Erin VanCamp, Amanda Richwalder, Rebecca Herko, Jasmine Bueso, Melissa Allison, Eileen Hill, Penny Atwell, Kevin Pease, Ian Mutch, Kari Hamelinck, Lexi Morales, Robert Mosteiro, Laurie Kingsbury. Families included: the Weigand, Wirth, Eberhardt and Kline families.
Student volunteers: Kylie Gravino, Kloie Sergeant, Gavin Klingman, Reagan DeSain, Elizabeth Hamelinck, Levi Tyler, Ava Erb, Emma Warrington, Zoey Richwalder and Anna Hamelinck.
“This was a wonderful evening for Lincoln School students and their families.” Hamelinck continued. “From crafts to photos to dancing, fun was had by all. The Lincoln PTA is proud to carry on this tradition for Lincoln School.”