School celebrates spring with potluck dinner, courtyard gala
Last Thursday evening, The Sanibel School hosted a three-tiered celebration of spring by conducting their Spring Music Program, PTA Potluck Dinner and dedication of the new courtyard simultaneously.
According to PTA President Melissa Congress, more than 200 parents, grandparents, siblings and friends of Sanibel School students came to the semi-annual dinner, where invitees bring platters – appetizers, side dishes and desserts – to share with all in attendance.
“We wanted this to coincide with the school’s courtyard celebration, which has just been finished,” said Congress. “We’ve got the third, fourth and fifth grade classes doing a music presentation, too. And the weather is perfect for dining al fresco.”
In addition to the main courses of chicken fingers, friend chicken and macaroni and cheese (provided by Bailey’s General Store), parents brought dishes including mixed fruits, watermelon chunks and slices, cole slaw, potato salad, macaroni salad, mixed greens, baked beans, scalloped potatoes, taco dip and dinner rolls, along with sweets including cakes, cookies, brownies and Rice Krispies treats. Beverages like bottled water, Capri Sun, coffee and tea were also provided.
“This is our second potluck this year,” said PTA officer Patty Holston, who noted that the first event was held at the start of the school year. “That one was great, but for this one, we’ve added music!”
Under the director of music instructor Joe Angelo, kids in grades 3 through 5 performed a program entitled “Dateline Rock-N-Roll,” which took place outside in the courtyard area of The Sanibel School. Third graders performed music from the 1950s, fourth graders sang songs of the 1960s and 1970s and the fifth grader offered selections from the 1980s through the music of today.
“If we go out to a gathering on Sanibel, it’s usually to BIG Arts or something like that,” said Andrea Guerrero, who came to see her daughter, Nikko, sing in the third grade chorus. “This is kind of a school obligation, but it’s a really nice event. I’m having a good time.”
Kathleen McMenamy, whose daughter, Allison, also sang with the third graders, noted that she was very impressed with the look of the new courtyard.
“I wanted to see how it came out, and it looks very nice,” she said. “I also came because I thought it would be a good time to come out, mingle and have some great Bailey’s fried chicken.”