Published October 03. 2023 11:42AM
by Lani Goins Special to the Bethlehem Press
A river of bright blue T-shirts flowed from Fountain Hill ES on the morning of Aug. 17 as the Southside Stride began.
Teachers and staff carried colorful backpacks on their shoulders. Minutes later, the river separated into small groups of three or four. Each group carried a list of names and addresses for incoming kindergartners. Fountain Hill has about 60 incoming kindergartners. Doors were knocked on, doorbells were rung. Each young student was presented with a backpack filled with books and school supplies, and a tiny stuffed tiger to represent the school mascot Phil. Phil was attached to a poem to welcome the children to kindergareten:
“The time has come for kindergarten this year at Fountain Hill!
We wanted you to meet our school mascot: his name is “Fountain Hill Phil.”
On your first day with us, don’t feel frightened or scared, we will be there to help you – everyone cares!
But if you are nervous and want to feel safe, bring along this tiger friend, just in case.
We can’t wait for you to join our crew!
It won’t be complete without YOU!”
Community Partners, including the police, churches and local business were also visited with gifts of doughnuts.
Backpacks for students who were not at home were brought back to school to be given out later. This was the fifth year Fountain Hill ES participated in the Stroll.
The same process was repeated at Donegan ES and Broughgal MS. Marvine ES held its own second annual Mustang Trot to visit their incoming kindergartners the same day.
Fountain Hill ES will welcome all their students and their families for the Back to School Block Party on Sept. 14 at 5 p.m.
Press photos by Lani Goins Amanda Ortwein, Fountain Hill ESOL Teacher, Fountain Hill ES Principal Courtney Wertman-Stambaugh, Assistant PrincipalGarrett Podhyski, and Supervisor of Equity Initiatives Eric Fontanez
Big sister Melanie watches as Karen Jones reads a greeting from Phil the tiger to younger brother Jaden.
Karen Jones shows Dynora the books that were inside the gifted backpack.
Christopher smiles at Ms. Horbowyj, Ms. Jones and Miss Pickar as dad holds his new blue backpack.
Samantha Pickar, third to fifth grade emotional support teacher, Liz Horbowyj, elementary music teacher, and Karen Jones, kindergarten teacher, ready to stroll.
Wilson listens and Ms. Jones smiles as Ms. Horbowyj reads Phil the Tiger's message.
PRESS PHOTOS BY LANI GOINS Fountain Hill teachers and staff gather before the Southside Stride.
