Rocking and rolling. That’s what the community around Hybla Valley Elementary and Groveton Elementary schools were doing on Saturday at the Community Day celebration.
There was something for everybody — hamburgers, hot dogs, snow cones and other goodies. Children could play in the moon bounce or get their face painted. The American Horticultural Society sponsored a booth, “Make a pot/plant a seed,” where children could make a pot from recyclable materials and plant some seeds to take home. Fairfax County Explorers were on hand to do fingerprinting. Everything was held outside on the school grounds, with the exception of “Fantasmic” the show performed by Hybla Valley staff members.
James Dallas, principal of Hybla Valley, said, "The Hybla Valley and Groveton Community Day was a collaborative effort between Fairfax County Public Schools, county agencies, local community based organizations and, of course, the Hybla Valley/Groveton communities. This endeavor was the second annual and its main purpose was to celebrate the community, encourage community involvement and pride and to conduct a survey which will later be used as a guide for citizen involvement and participation in solving the community's identified concerns.
"Children and families were able to take part in games, interactive events and observe county agencies such as the police and fire at work. This also provided an opportunity for parents, children, seniors, school staff, county staff, etc. to get to know each other, share information, and increase their sense of community pride.
"The entire event was financed through local business donations and in-kind services. We had over 20 business, agency and community partners donate time, money and services."
In addition to fun activities for the children, representatives from the Fairfax County Police and Fire Departments, the Department of Community and Recreation Services, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Office of Partnerships; the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles; the Girl Scouts; United Community Ministries; Habitat for Humanity; Friends of Huntley Meadows; Communities in Schools; and 21st Century Community Learning Centers were on hand to visit with the community.
Chris Lamb, principal of Groveton, said, "The Hybla Valley and Groveton Community Day was a huge success because of the support from the various community agencies and school staff that worked so hard to bring the event together. Our students and families know how much we support them at our schools. It is wonderful to see all of the county services and agencies come together on a sunny afternoon to support our neighborhood family activities. It was just 'a good time feeling' which we need more of."