PTO gives students a colorful welcome
Mary Kay Writer, school psychologist in Palmerton, writes “Courage of a lion” on the sidewalk in front of the S.S. Palmer Elementary School as part of the second annual “Chalk the Walk” program by the PTO, teachers and staff volunteers. Inspiring messages were written for students on the sidewalks of the two schools. RON GOWER/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS
Decorating the sidewalks in front of the Ss. Palmer Elementary School in Palmerton to greet students on the first day of school are, from left, Mary Kay Writer, school psychologist; Andrea Olock, art teacher and Melisa Beahn. They were part of the “Chalk the Walk” project and wrote inspirational messages to greet the students. Ron Gower/Special to the Times News
When Palmerton elementary students started classes this morning, they were greeted by a cluster of inspirational messages.
The messages, such as “shoot for the moon” and “follow that dream,” were written in chalk on the sidewalks of the S.S. Palmer Elementary School and the Parkside Education Center on Sunday.
The PTO, teachers and staff volunteers hosted “Chalk the Walk” for the second year.
They wrote positive messages on the sidewalks in front of the two schools to give the students a boost on their first day of school.
Mary Kay Writer, school psychologist, said the messages are to make the students feel welcome and good about themselves.
Stretching for several yards was the word “welcome,” adorned with flowers, bees and other delightful sketches.
About a dozen people took part in “Chalk the Walk.”
One sidewalk square had a large footprint pointing toward the school entrance. It read, “Steps in the right direction.”
Another drawing urged the students to “shoot for the moon.”
The lettering for the “welcome” was done by art teacher Andrea Olock, with her and others adding colorful objects.
At the top of the steps going into the SS. Palmer School, Tina Manning and Katie Gilmarin wrote in large letters, “best year ever.”
