Brookside Place School Celebrates Year-end With Winter Concert
Elementary students at Brookside Place School (BPS) in Cranford participated in a multitude of extracurricular activities this fall culminating with its annual BPS Winter Concert on Thursday, December 17 and Friday, December 18. Some fall events included: Fall Fest, Trickor- Trunk and the annual Veterans’ Day program.
“In addition to focusing on their academic studies, it is extremely important for students to expand their social skills by being active participants in activities outside of the classroom,” said Mr. Michael Klimko, BPS Principal.
In October, the Brookside Parent Teacher Association hosted its fall-themed events including Fall Fest and Trick-or-Trunk. The annual Fall Fest brings families to BPS for an afternoon of fun featuring a Chili Cook-off and a Pumpkin Carving Contest. The annual Trick-or- Trunk brought in over twenty vehicles to distribute candy and goodies to over 300 children, with many families’ themed trunk adding a carnival-type game In November, many staff members at Brookside helped to organize BPS’ annual Veterans’ Day Assembly on November 11. Seventeen local veterans were celebrated and honored for their service to our country. Participating Cranford families represented were: Doyle, Estep, Fiore, Gray, McCarthy, McDonald, McTiernan, Owens, Pawelko, Riley, Rocco, Rosenthal, Ryan, Sormillon, Szkeres, Tully and Towne.
“I commend our students who participated in these events and their parents who encouraged them to do so. It is a commitment to attend early rehearsals and weekend activities. Efforts in this regard serve as the building blocks on which a strong community is built,” continued Klimko.
The BPS Winter Concert showcased talents of BPS’ fourth and fifth graders who are involved in band, chorus, and orchestra. The String Orchestra was led by Christine Lee, vocals by Maureen Rapach and instrumental music by Karen Mockoviak. Over one hundred twenty students participated in the program.
(above) Brookside Place School fifth grader Julia Chen of Cranford performed violin and piano solos in the BPS Winter Concert.
