PENNRIDGE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Pennridge South Middle School has festive alternative to back-to-school night

This experience has become known as Southfest, a new tradition at South Middle School

By Pennridge School District

Southfest aims to be an immersive and fun alternative to the traditional back-to-school night. (Credit: David Thomas)

Last year, a team of teachers and administrators at Pennridge South Middle School joined forces to rethink the traditional spring Back-to-School Night following low attendance.

As an alternative, the team wanted to create an immersive and fun experience for parents, students and the South staff to enjoy each other’s company, play games, work together in activities and get to know more about each other.

This experience has become known as Southfest, a new tradition at South Middle School as well as a model of what embracing staff ideas and initiatives, student-parent engagement and community partnerships can look like. The event includes free pizza served by Principal Duane Renner and Assistant Principal Glenn Donaldson, sing-a-longs, musical demonstrations and tons of games and activities.

Southfest brings parents, students and the South staff together to foster stronger community relations. (Credit: David Thomas)

The event includes sing-a-longs, musical demonstrations, games and activities. (Credit: David Thomas)

“Our goal at SouthFest is to showcase the true nature and spirit of South Middle School,” said Renner. “This event provides an opportunity to open our doors to families and highlight not only how much we enjoy our work but also the genuine personal satisfaction it brings us as we strive every day to be our best for their children. This evening goes beyond academics — it’s a celebration of the vibrant community we’ve built together with our students and their families.”

“The work we do everyday at South is rooted in the relationships we build with our students and their families,” added teacher Kara Grice. “We are proud of our kids, we want the chance to show off all they do, and we want to say thank you to their families for their support. SouthFest lets us celebrate all of the good in this building with as many families as possible.”