To celebrate the connection with the community and its students, the Mantua Township School District is hosting its annual Big Night Out.
On June 6 at J. Mason Tomlin Elementary School from 5:30 p.m to 8:30 p.m., district families are welcomed to the school for a night of games, activities and food. The event is free to attend. T-shirts are $10 to $12, and a Splash ‘n’ Dash also costs the same. Basket raffles will be available for adults and children alike along with booths by local businesses.
Superintendent Bob Fisicaro added the night started as a way for the district to bridge connections with the community and raise money for its peer mediation groups.
“We started implementing character education in the district and the (character) counsel received this award on leadership delivery,” said Fisicaro. “One of the things the counsel wanted to do was to include the community in building awareness in what we’re doing for the district. They also wanted a fundraiser for the district.”
Soon thereafter, it evolved to an all-inclusive event as the district dropped the fundraising aspect and embraced character education.
“We discovered the real value of the event was bringing the community together and a partnership with the district, town and parents,” said Fisicaro, referencing the changes in the event from year to year. “We called it ‘A night of character, community and connection.’”
This year, the district is bringing in local businesses, a DJ, the police and fire departments, and Mantua Township Committee.
He added the fire department will be assisting with the Splash ‘n’ Dash runs taking place to get the children wet at various stations.
There will also be stations on the 10 virtues the district focuses on (respect, self-control, courage, wisdom, service, humility, fairness, positive attitude, love and integrity).
T-shirts will also be given away via a toss off of the school’s roof.
“It’s an expression of gratitude towards the 360-degree efforts that are provided to help every child in the district dream big and become the best version of themselves,” he added.
During the day, kids will be attending pep rallies in their respective schools to not only get them excited about the night, but also “remember why the district is having this event.” Students at Centre City school will be visited by Brynn McKinney, who was the 2019 Ms. Outstanding Teen, and students at JMT will be visited be Esteban Gast, who is a teacher-turned comedian.
“The kitchen is also there for them to get something for the whole family because the food trucks can get pricey for those who bring their entire family,” said Terry Labbree, supervisor of curriculum and technology. The district has 10 confirmed food trucks.
“One of the reasons people move to Mantua is the strong sense of community,” said Fisicaro. “If you live in a place with a strong sense of community, it’s an opportunity to feel that in a very strong way.”
For more information on the Big Night Out, visit www.MantuaSchools.com.
