Central Elementary School students, staff and families sipped on hot chocolate, bobbed for apples and engaged in seasonal fun during the inaugural Fall Festival held Nov. 10, which aimed to promote parent and community engagement.
The school’s booster club members and volunteers worked together to help Central staff and administrators transform the campus into a festival bedecked with balloons, interactive booths, bounce houses, food stands and more. Tickets, activities and homemade treats were sold to raise money for future events and activities.
“We encouraged all of our students and families to attend, presenting activities that increase communication and collaboration between our parents and staff,” Principal Marcia Cole Fijabi said. “At Central Elementary, we are always searching for ways to showcase our students’ hard work and deepen our connections with our community. Festivals create a sense of belonging to something larger than ourselves, and I am proud of the Central family for putting together such a successful event.”
During the festival, students and staff participated in musical chairs, corn hole and a cakewalk while teachers and Fijabi cheered them on and mingled with parents.
“It was so fun to bring my family to school for a fun night where I could see my friends, play games and talk to my teachers,” Central Elementary School fifth-grade student Alvyn Strange said. “It was cool to see students now in middle school that used to go to Central come to the festival to support their siblings. I hope we continue to have the fall festival each year!”
Banning Unified schools, clubs, athletics and organizations are preparing for more holiday festivities, including creating colorful floats to participate in the City of Banning’s first-ever Christmas Light Parade on Dec. 17.
“It’s incredible to see our schools continue to put together events that spark engagement, create special memories and establish traditions for our families,” Superintendent Terrence Davis said. “Banning Unified continues to strengthen as a community and I am thrilled to celebrate with you all this holiday season.”