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School serves dinner to parents, students
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Edwin Rodriguez, a second-grader at Williamson Elementary in Youngstown, gives thanks Monday before a Thanksgiving dinner at the school. Students and their families were treated to the meal after parents attended parent-teacher conferences last week.
By Denise Dick
Youngstown
Thanksgiving came a few days early for families at Williamson Elementary School.
“It’s our way of saying ‘thank you’ to them for investing in their children and for supporting us,” said Williamson Principal Wanda Clark.
Families who attended parent-teacher conferences were invited to the Monday afternoon dinner at the school. Donnell Ford Auto Group donates the money for the dinner, which includes turkey, stuffing, yams, green beans, rolls, cranberry sauce and cake, through a non-profit organization, Making Kids Count.
Clark said that 500 people signed up, and about 250 families attended the parent-teacher conferences — the most who have come since Clark has been at the school. About 340 students attend Williamson.
Angelia Nieves came with her three children, Michelle Marrero and Arianis Nieves, who are in fifth and second grade, respectively, at the school, and Analie Marrera, 12, a student at Rayen Early College Middle School who formerly went to Williamson. She said she comes every year.
“I love this school,” Nieves said. “I love the teachers. I love the atmosphere. Everyone is so nice, and I love the kids.”
Arianis, Michelle and Analie all said the food was good.
Nieves’ sister, Michelle Nieves, whose son and daughter also attend Williamson, joined her sister at the dinner this year.
“The food is pretty good,” she said.
Her son, Angel, who is in kindergarten, said he likes going to school. His mother said he excels and was October Student of the Month.
“We’re very proud of him,” she said.
Her daughter, Tamara Rios, is a fifth-grader at Williamson, and the baby, Marieangelia Nieves, 8 months, is perhaps a future Williamson student.
At another table, Natisha Lee sat across from her two sons, Zachary and Jzamere Woods, who are in fourth and fifth grade, respectively.
“I just want to support the school and support my children and keep them on the right track,” Lee said. “I want to show them that good things can happen when you go to school.”
Zachary said he liked the turkey best, but he wasn’t feeling the yams.
Gym is his favorite school subject, but if he has to pick one in a classroom, it’s spelling.
His brother, Jzamere, chose the red velvet cake as his favorite thing on the Thanksgiving plate. As far as school goes, he likes reading best.
His teacher “teaches us everything and has fun with us while we’re learning,” Jzamere said.