Evie Herrmann, director of Connecticut Parent Plus, learned about the First Day Holiday in a newspaper article. Dowd said Herrmann played a key role in making the First Day program a success at Kinsella School. Each student received a backpack with school supplies on that first day. Refreshments were also served to parents, there were door prizes, and the Hartford Public Library issued library cards to every family who attended First Day of School programs. At West Middle School, also in Hartford, typical attendance at PTO meetings was 5 to 15 parents.
Success breeds more success.
Some are planning a parent treasure hunt for the first day and another school is planning a parade, Herrmann said. Children begin their first day of school by making banners with their classmates and parents. Then they march in a parade through town together, carrying banners and balloons behind a marching band. The festivities conclude with a picnic under pitched tents in the center of town. Parents and community members bring packed lunches.