Clinton orientation party filled with fun, food, information

Part orientation event, part block party, Clinton Elementary welcomed the coming school year with a memorable celebration Monday.

The day was an opportunity for new and returning families to meet with staff and gather key information not only on how the school day will operate but also from community partner organizations.

Giveaways ranged from lunch off the grill -- courtesy of Principal Dr. David Scott's son -- and snacks like cotton candy, to school supplies. Entertainment included a DJ, a bounce house, two inflatable obstacle courses, two inflatable throwing games and use of the playground outside Christ Episcopal Church, which had most walking around with a smile.

And while the students were enjoying the sunny skies, music and inflated fun, many adults joined Scott for a session discussion what to expect from the year, how Title I funding will help students, what the goals of the school will be, how the new aligned HMH curriculum will aid in those goals.

"It's really designed for us to catch our children where they are," he said. "Right now, we have some kids that come in that are few grade levels below and we need to get them up."