More than 50 Vernon School staff members – in more than 40 vehicles – toured the neighborhood April 17 to raise the spirits of their students – and themselves.
School closed March 16 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The school community learned April 9 that schools won’t reopen before the end of the academic year.
Countless students and their families observed social distancing recommendations at their curbs and in Alberta Park. They wore face masks and waved home-made and printed school signs at the passing cars.
The parade was organized by Aimee Havens, 6th grade language arts and literature teacher. The parade was especially bittersweet for 1st grade teacher Kristi Kucera. She retires in June after 21 years teaching at the school.
“I burst into tears midway along the route,” she reported. “I realized the parade was the closest I would get to say good bye and hug the multitude of students.”
Photos by Lloyd Kimmeldorf and Mandy Davis.
