From the Class of 2020 Senior Parade to the “reverse parades” held at each of Hicksville’s school buildings, it was clear – all in attendance felt an overwhelming sense of what it meant to be a school community again. Each school invited faculty and staff to meet on school grounds while parents and students drove past. There were cars festooned with balloons, posters of every size and shape, streamers, and students and teachers waving, horns honking, cheers as students, parents and teachers recognized each other, and big, broad smiles, not even the masks could hide. For a brief time, our school communities were united.
On May 2nd, Dutch Lane held its parade. When asked to describe what the event at her school was like, Principal Janine Rossi said, “I wouldn't even know where to begin. It was such a heartwarming day. All of our teachers, teaching assistants, psychologists, school nurse, secretaries, greeters, and monitors were in attendance. To be able to experience the human connection that you can only get from seeing each other's smiles was something that I will never forget. The Dutch parade was filled with so much gratitude, happiness, and love and it was so special for us to come together as a family. We all benefited from this experience and it is something that we will never forget.”
Many thanks to the parents, students and staff who participated in the parade, and to the Nassau County Police and the Hicksville Fire Department for helping us to conduct our parade safely!