Bringing school back with a bash

Children engage in a tug-of-war competition during the Back-2-School Bash, Sept. 3, 2015, at Aviano Air Base, Italy. The event activities and games allowed children to interact with new classmates and become more comfortable with the new school year. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Austin Harvill/Released)

Bringing school back with a bash

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Donnie Gray, 31st Force Support Squadron first sergeant, grills burgers during the Back-2-School Bash, Sept. 3, 2015, at Aviano Air Base, Italy. The 31st Mission Support Group, First Sergeant’s Association and School Liaison Office sponsored the event with the help of volunteer Wyvern Warriors. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Austin Harvill/Released)

Bringing school back with a bash

Published Sept. 4, 2015
By Senior Airman Austin Harvill
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- Aviano Middle/High School and Elementary School hosted a Back-2-School Bash, Sept. 3, 2015, at Aviano Air Base, Italy. The event included free food, drinks, entertainment and an open house where parents could meet with the base's educational community.

In addition to the activities and food provided by multiple organizations and Wyvern volunteers, parents received a school tour from their children and a 10-minute familiarization meeting from their children's teacher.

"We want all of our parents to feel comfortable with their children's education," said Ken Harvey, Aviano Middle/High School principal. "Getting to know the teachers and having them explain how they teach, what they expect and so on, opens up the lines of communication."

Melissa Hayes, Aviano Elementary School principal, said open dialogue allows a free-flow of information about curriculum changes and new techniques used by the staff.

"Through interactions, we can show off the staff members and their ever-improving skills," said Hayes. "We are slowly adapting to standards used more commonly in the states, which means our staff must continuously improve to provide better education for our students."

In addition to improvements, the entire school, from kindergarten to 12th grade, will see some fresh staff around the campus. Combined, the schools brought 13 new faces on board.

With all the excitement, new policies and staff changes, Hayes is confident the new school year will be better than ever.

"The [Back 2 School Bash] is a great representation of what is to come," said Hayes. "Education should be fun and exciting and I am positive this year will embrace that attitude in every classroom."