ECASD Educators Planning Parade As Summer Send Off For Students

The educators in the Ellwood City School District wanted one last chance to see the faces of their beloved students before the end of the school year … even if it is at a safe social distance.

Their solution: A parade.

Organizers and ECASD Elementary Counselors Debbie Wiech and Chrissy Mendillo said so far 120 staff, faculty, and administrators have “signed up” to participate.

“We hope this shows the love and dedication we have for our students,” Wiech said.

According to Wiech, the mandated closing of the ECASD was a devastating situation for the students, but it was also a tough reality for the teachers and administrators who had to abruptly end their school year without a proper send off or goodbye to their students.

She said although they mimicked the idea from other districts, the ECASD parade will be unique and will “bleed” blue and white.

The parade will take place on May 21st beginning at 5 p.m. when the lineup of cars exit the parking lot at Lincoln High School to begin their route.

Decked out in signs, balloons, and creative decorations, staff vehicles will make a trek through numerous neighborhoods. A parade map and schedule can be found here: https://4.files.edl.io/fe12/05/12/20/143320-b9fc71fd-f2c0-4408-a82d-7e455964c05e.pdf

This will be a K-12 event that will connect all staff with all students of ECASD.

“The teachers are doing an incredible job of connecting with students via Google Meetings and chat rooms,” Wiech said. “But there’s nothing like real human connection.”

Wiech guarantees the parade will feature an abundance of connection—with social distancing, of course—and school spirit. She said the staff is elated with the idea and are working to solidify their plans for just how decked out their vehicles will be. She said some staff plan on driving Jeeps and convertibles so that they can easily see the students and the public.

She said it will be just like a normal parade but at a safe distance.

“We will not be throwing candy because of social distancing,” she said.

But that should not deter anyone including community members from stepping outside to greet the “caravan.” In addition to the educators, there will be some furry parade features including the Wolverine Mascot and therapy dogs.

Wiech said the parade route will include neighborhoods in Ellwood City, Portersville, Ellport, and Wampum.

With such a large participation expected, Wiech said the ECASD Police will assist in the parade working with the local police, public safety officals, and the fire department. The organizers are asking the students, families, and the public to follow COVID-19 guidelines: Maintain social distancing, wear masks, and to not gather in groups of more than 25 people.

Wiech said what she is looking forward to the most about the parade is the student reactions.

“It will mean everything to us to be able to see their facial expressions,” she said.