The seventh annual Fountain Hill ES Southside Stride kicked off Aug. 14 in the school’s temporary building on Valley Center Road. Principal Courtney Wertman-Stambaugh said “the new space is nearly ready.” The secure lobby is large and has a fireplace. Principal Wertman-Stambaugh said, “a nice feature of the building is enclosed classrooms.” (The old Fountain Hill building was open concept).

All entrances will be secured. Most classroom supplies and furnishings were moved by truck to the new site. The teachers and staff are greeting the space with enthusiasm. Many of the teaching staff were already setting up. All Fountain Hill students were offered busing to the temporary site.

For the Stride, teachers and staff were separated into teams. Each team first visited a community partner with doughnuts. Next, the teams visited 6-8 Kindergarten homes. Families were called. If no one was home, a flyer and backpack were left.

If a parent could not be reached by phone, the backpack would be returned to school, and may be picked up on the first day of school. The backpacks included supplies, a Night Before Kindergarten book and a little stuffed tiger buddy.

Some families were waiting on their porches. Donegan ES and Broughgal MS also participated in the Stride. The two schools had a party in Yosko Park afterward. Fountain Hill staff went to Fountain Hill Park after the Stride for a meet and greet, and offered Popsicles for children.