AAPA carnival brings families together at East High

Families across the district attended the African American Parent Association School Carnival on Saturday, Sept. 12, at East Aurora High School.

The free event featured carnival games, prizes, family activities and freshly made cotton candy. Bozo Buckets and Kick Darts were two of the most popular games. Families also enjoyed entertainment from Nookie the Kookie Clown and a special appearance by Spider-Man.

“We hoped families would leave feeling welcomed, connected and excited about the year ahead while getting to know the new AAPA board,” said Mariza Martinez, assistant director at the Resilience Education Center. “The carnival was also an opportunity to build relationships and create a strong foundation for continued family engagement and partnership throughout the school year.”

Martinez and Melissa Diaz, parent and family services coordinator, organized the carnival with the AAPA and the Fox Valley Park District. Several East Aurora High School students also volunteered. Martinez said families described the event as “well organized and well-run.”

AAPA works to strengthen connections between schools and families and expand academic and career resources for African American students across East Aurora. Its first meeting of the school year will begin at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, at East Aurora High School. Families can visit the district website to view the complete AAPA meeting schedule.