Thornton hosts Trick or Treat Trail
Panda Pride may have reached an all time high last Friday night inside Thornton Elementary School.
“As soon as you walked through the doors, you could feel the magic,” said Sheri LaFazia, a proud mother and dedicated member of the Johnston school’s PTO (Parent Teacher Organization). “This event really shows the spirit of our community; it provides a chance for staff and families to get to know one another better and have some fun.”
LaFazia was speaking about Thornton’s 3rd Annual Trick or Treat Trail that was so well done some people thought a Disney Production crew actually came into the Johnston school and set up a number of extraordinary scenes and props.
The hallways of the school were transformed into many magical scenes but more importantly a safe place for the school community to relax and have some old-fashioned Halloween fun.
More than 175 costume-clad children showed up with their families and took in displays and special scenes at over 20 tables that were well placed on the school’s first and second floors.
There were witches everywhere, with Principal Louise Denham doing her part as The Head Witch, as well as pirates and their ship, Ghostbusters and the Stay Puff Marshmallow Man that was rated as “so cool” and a beautiful Snow White who brought along her basket of healthy apples.
There was also a life-like Cinderella, Thornton PTO President Liz Russillo, who wore a beautiful gown and enjoyed the evening as much as the children.
“Liz and (Vice President) Natalie Gluschenko are extremely committed to our PTO,” said LaFazia while helping Lucas Simpson, a fourth grader who was dressed in a dinosaur costume, move about the many spooky scenes Friday night. “They are really dedicated to the group.”
Almost everyone that took the Trick or Treat Trail, which also featured a Disney Theme and Snow White as well as a Dinosaur family and some Kitty Kats, stopped by Cinderella’s table to visit Russillo and her Headless Horseman and collect more goodies for their candy containers that “Thornton Kitty Cats” Judy Maurano and Tania Ialongo gave each student when they checked in with their parents.
“I can’t say enough about our night,” said LaFazia, whose father-in-law and veteran Johnston School Committeeman Robert LaFazia helped Thornton Nurse Deb Gannon man a special candy table. “This is so much fun.”
It was obvious that a lot of thought and planning was put into last Friday night’s event, especially the children as LaFazia pointed out while emphasizing that many of the Thornton School students made their own costumes while others opted for store-bought colorful get-ups.
“I even saw some kids bring in their pillow cases,” LaFazia added, “and that brought back special memories for me of my trick or treating times as a youngster.”
LaFazia, who takes pride in helping the PTO host special events, said “We had so many generous families that supported this event; some helped set up tables and if they couldn’t make it they sent in glow sticks or treats and as a mother of a child with food allergies this couldn’t have been more special. There was something fore everyone; items ranging from pencils, erasers, glow necklaces, toy spiders and even apples.”
“A lot of planning goes into each and every school event,” Sheri LaFazia explained with a smile on her face. “The Thornton families are so dedicated. I received many, many emails in the beginning of the school year asking what night this was going to be and how can one help. It really brings everyone together just like our Polar Express, what like tonight is one of our all-time favorite events.”
