Willard Elementary families celebrated the start of the new school year alongside their classmates and friends at this year’s back to school picnic.
The Willard PTO Back to School Picnic was held on Monday, Aug. 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the playground at Willard, near Franklin Avenue, following the New Family Welcome Event.
PTO co-president Camille McLamb said the annual event, open to all Willard families, is a way to kick-start the year.
Interim Principal Christine Gerges and assistant principal for Willard and Lincoln Elementary Jennifer Pasia came out to welcome Willard families back at this year’s PTO picnic. | Amaris E. Rodriguez
“It’s a great way for everybody to get back together before school starts and for the kids to reunite with their friends, meet new friends and just enjoy the last couple of days of summer,” McLamb said.
Families gathered to celebrate the 2024-25 school year with friends, high-energy music and pizza, two days before schools opened on Wednesday, Aug. 21.
Jermaine Harris, a Willard parent, said his son was excited to attend the picnic and is also looking forward to seeing all his school friends.
Waiting in line for a slice of pizza, Jenna Baker, whose husband grew up in River Forest, said they came to the event to celebrate their son, a kindergartener.
“He’s very excited to start,” Baker said, adding the family has heard really great things about the district as they have other family members who also attend Willard.
Supt. Ed Condon said the event is a “wonderful reflection” of the sense of community at Willard.
“We are really excited for the start of the year,” Condon said. He added he was looking forward to what the year holds for the district, with some individuals in new leadership roles. “There is a lot of positive enthusiasm from our kids and staff. It is going to be a great year,” he said.
Willard Elementary welcomed former Assistant Principal Christine Gerges as its new interim principal for the 2024-25 school year. With her appointment, a new assistant principal was hired: Jennifer Pasia will serve as assistant principal for both Willard and Lincoln Elementary. She attended the picnic, saying it was a great way for her to meet more of the D90 community.
Pasia, who is coming to D90 from Deerfield Public School District 109, said she was also looking forward to working alongside teachers and students.
“I am looking forward to helping students learn and grow in both buildings and looking forward to working with teachers and my partnership with Casey [Godfrey] and Christine [Gerges],” Pasia said.
McLamb said community-building within Willard is important, adding that as a parent herself, it feels like “home.”
“We’ve met so many families that are welcoming and it does feel like a home to us,” McLamb said. “That is what I hope we can provide for other people too.”
Lincoln’s PTO Back to School Picnic will be held on Thursday, Aug. 29 at 5:30 p.m.