South School (RSU #13) recently hosted a vibrant Arts Festival Night, drawing a large crowd of students, parents, and community members. The event celebrated creativity and community, showcasing the artistic talents of students from kindergarten through fifth grade.

The festival featured an array of engaging activities and attractions. Attendees enjoyed complimentary hot dogs (provided by the Friends of South School) while being serenaded by a steel drum band, Pen Bay Pan, which created a festive atmosphere that set the tone for the evening. The Title 1 room was bustling with activity with several stations available including a variety of bookmarks to decorate, story grammar markers with beads that help students retell what they’ve read, and live lobsters to measure and band that supported a display of Stephanie Mulligan’s book How to Catch a Keeper. Families left with signed copies and supporting activity books. Each grade level wing presented unique craft stations, where students participated in hands-on art projects tailored to their age group. These stations allowed children to express their creativity and take home a piece of their artwork as a memento of the night.

One of the highlights of the event was the Scholastic Book Fair, which provided an opportunity for families to explore and purchase a wide range of books. Books in Every Nook gave families the opportunity to take home as many free books as they could carry. Both initiatives aimed to encourage a love of reading and literacy among students, with proceeds from the book fair directly supporting the school’s students through a variety of programs.

The school was adorned with a stunning display of student artwork from each grade. Parents and visitors wandered the halls, admiring the diverse range of paintings, drawing, and multi-media hat highlighted the artistic skills and imagination of the young artists. Richard Wehnke, South School’s art teacher, stated, “The incredible variety and depth in these artworks show just how much talent and imagination our students possess. Each piece tells its own story, and it’s wonderful to see their creativity celebrated in such a vibrant way.”

Several community partners played a significant role in the success of the event. Local businesses and organizations including CMCA, Rockland Public Library, YMCA, The Strand, Rockland Rotary, and Friends of South School provided support and enhanced the festival experience. Their involvement underscored the importance of community engagement in fostering a rich educational environment.

“We are thrilled with the turnout and the overwhelming support from our community,” said South School Principal Hillary Arroyo. “Our Arts Festival Night was a fantastic celebration of our students’ creativity and a wonderful opportunity to bring families together. We appreciate everyone who played a part in creating a successful event.”