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Midvale Journal

Copperview Elementary families welcomed back to school at carnival

Oct 03, 2017 03:06PM ● By Jana Klopsch

Several bounce slides were part of the festivities at the Copperview Elementary welcome back carnival. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Lizeth Flores was keeping track of her three-year-old nephew while her niece, Yarizy Martinze who is in first grade at Copperview Elementary, was busy in the inflatable houses and slides at the school’s carnival.

“We love the games and blow-up slides and houses at the carnival,” Flores said. “We come to all the activities — culture fair, holiday singing, Halloween parties, dance festival. The carnival is good as many families who attend school here are immigrants and don’t know everyone. So we can all come, have fun and get to know people.”

Those reasons are why the carnival remains an annual event said Copperview Community School Facilitator Jenna Landward.

“People come to have fun—to bring the family to Copperview and enjoy the night with the school community,” she said. “We took a survey and this is one of the top things they enjoy.”

Principal Christie Webb said that it is an opportunity that can unite the school.

“It’s just fun bringing the community together at the first of the year,” she said.

Even with a sprinkle of rain that dampened the bouncy houses, families continued to arrive during the three-hour event.

“The families are streaming in and having lots of fun,” said Shawn Walker, school assistant principal.

Fourth-grader Marley Henderson, who is new to the school, met a friend at the carnival.

“I raced one person (her new friend) on the obstacle course,” she said. “And got soaking wet. This is like a carnival, just without the roller coasters.”

Samantha Humes, who accompanied Marley, said that it gives them a chance to meet others.

“It all gives the students so much fun—the rides and carnival games,” she said.

Patrick Johnson watched as his first grader, Lucas, was trying to toss rings in a carnival game.

“It’s been fun,” Johnson said. “We’re making our way across the entire circuit and then we’ll probably go back and do it again.”

Families planned dinner at the carnival, purchasing items from snow cones and cotton candy to hot dogs.

Also at the event was a chance for parents to register with the school Parent-Teacher Association. Prizes from video cameras to books were raffled off to those who registered.

“We always like our parents to be involved in activities and they can receive an email of upcoming events where they could look to volunteer and give the commitment they can. It doesn’t have to be a huge commitment. If they can’t volunteer, we want them to know they’re still welcome to support our students,” Landward said.

While she said that the carnival isn’t a fundraiser, Custom Events does donate 10 percent of its proceeds to Copperview.

Copperview’s PTA organizes events such as Reflections; red and white ribbon weeks; teacher appreciation; math, reading and arts nights; as well as supplies prizes for the school reading program.

“This carnival just fills up our front lawn, people eat dinner with each another and hang out. It’s a fun place to be and a great way to start the year,” Landward said.