As part of Heywood Avenue School's Social & Emotional (SEL) Day on March 17, Heywood staff engaged in a St. Patrick's Day Parade through the neighborhood to see their students and parents. Approximately 30 staff members, including teachers, support staff, custodians, and security, were divided into two groups. They walked throughout the Heywood neighborhood using two maps to cover the school's service area.

Using Class Dojo, school families were given the parade routes and received "live" updates of how close the parade marchers were to their homes. "It brought us great joy to see the smiles and happiness from our students and parents," said Principal Alcantara. "They greeted us  .  .  .  and many were also surprised to see us."

It has been one year since schools closed, and Heywood school staff have persevered in this virtual world but greatly miss their students. However, on St. Patrick's Day, "Irish Eyes" were smiling as all considered "how lucky we are to have each other."

Thank you to Mrs. Laguna, Mr. Lurie, and Mrs. Tague for spearheading the event's planning. Thank you to Ms. Mooney for providing the decorations and posters and Mrs. Tague and Ms. Robinson for baking cupcakes that staff enjoyed after each group walked their 1.5-mile distance visiting students, parents, and members of Heywood's school community. It was a great adult Field Trip!

Click the image above for pictures of Heywood's St. Patrick's Day Parade.