Harvest Fest brought our community together

This year’s Harvest Fest was a wonderful gathering of students and families across grades and programs to celebrate gratitude, belonging, and the community spirit that drives us.

Enjoy more photos in this album

During the school day portion of Harvest Fest, staff from the Winter Hill Community Innovation School, which houses the district’s largest program for students with autism, came to enjoy the festivities and observe the event to learn more about how Harvest Fest has adapted over the years to be as inclusive as possible for all students at the Kennedy. In a collaboration between PTA and Kennedy’s Special Education therapeutic team, each year we make efforts to modify and evolve elements of the event to better meet the needs and abilities of all students. We were very honored to have that collaborative work recognized. We also hosted more families with students in SEEK, SKIP and Life Skills this year than ever before.

The fun and community-building continued in the evening portion. We hosted 175 students and their caregivers and family members for a delicious pizza dinner, donuts, cider, Fall-themed carnival activities, crafts, a photo booth, and beats by long-time Kennedy educator Mr. Peter George, who moonlights as the best DJ around.

Special thanks to all of the many volunteers who made Harvest Fest possible, under the creative vision of Alexis Orellana, Harvest Fest Chair. Thanks, as always, to DJ Mr. George and Ms. Scrima for her Cozy Calm Down Corner. Special shout-out to parent volunteer Susan Yoo, who created a beautiful, lifelike tree installation to hold the kids’ gratitude leaves craft. And thank you to our generous community-based sponsors, Star Market, Pemberton Farms, Angelina’s Pizzeria, and Mortadella Head.