The Parent Teacher Student Organization held its first community event of the school year with its annual barbecue at Rhinebeck Lions Mini Park Sept. 20.
“It’s a great opportunity for all three schools to be together and for students to be with their siblings and parents,” said Joslan Carter, a high school junior.
Junior Amaia Hayes added, “It’s just a good celebration of back to school season. It’s right after school. Everyone has had a long day and they get to come to the mini park to hang out with their friends, goof off, play on the playground, eat food, listen to music and see everyone in the community in one place.”
Carter and Hayes are part of the high school choir club and performed at the barbecue as well as set up a playlist of music.
“We’ve been performing music for the choir club for three years at this so I’m very excited and look forward to this at the start of the year,” said Carter.
Michelle Duval, president of the PTSO, planned for a big turnout this year after over 300 people attended last year’s barbecue. The PTSO, which funds the event, did receive some cash donations as well as donations of food and beverages for the barbecue.
Students and their families enjoyed hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, cheese and crackers, veggie platters, fruit platters, chips and snacks, juice boxes and water.
“It’s just really a nice time for people to come together, and just talk and get back into the groove of things for their routine of school,” said Duval.
The barbecue is the first of several events planned by the PTSO during the school year. The Halloween Fest is the next big community event, scheduled for Oct. 27. A haunted house and different games are being planned.
“We kind of piggyback on the village parade, so if people want to leave and go to the parade or stay and go through the haunted house for a third or fourth time, they can do that as well,” said Duval.
A Spring Fling is being planned for May 2 that will feature dancing, soda bar and food trucks.
“It was a great time for everyone,” said Duval of the 2024 Spring Fling that focused on school spirit.