With the entire student body assembled in the school’s gymnasium before him like a rainbow, with different grade levels wearing specific colors, Hawley Elementary School Principal Christopher Moretti said the mission on Friday, May 29, for the school’s Field Day was to have “a fun, safe, wonderful day.”

Mr Moretti thanked all the volunteers and school staff who made the day possible, and prepared the students for what they would experience throughout the day. 

Saying the Field Day event was a privilege the students had earned throughout the 2014-15 school year through their hard work and displays of kindness, Mr Moretti said the school community could not ask for a better day, with a clear sky and warm temperature outside.

Noting all the smiles he saw, Mr Moretti said, “That’s what it’s all about, smiles and laughter.”

Outside on the school’s grounds, different stations were set up for classes to make their way through.

At one station, students dunked their feet into kiddy pools filled with water to pickup glass marbles and place them into buckets.

At another station, Hawley music teacher Brian Kowalsky showed students a truck loaned to the school for the day from his family members. The truck was from Kowalsky Bros Inc, General Contractors, of Westport.

Newtown Hook & Ladder Co. #1 also had two trucks on site for the day, and students toured the vehicles and used the hose to spray water.

A Bucket Brigade station was new this year, according to Hawley physical education teacher Doug Michlovitz, and at the station students passed buckets of water down a line to then fill another bucket at the end.

Mr Michlovitz said PTA members Kristen Bonacci and Kathy McCleary were instrumental in making the day possible. Both Mr Michlovitz and Mr Moretti said the day was made possible because parent volunteers gave their time. Mr Moretti said the efforts were a “great example of the home-school team.”

After jumping in a line to participate with his students at the Beach Ball Relay station, Mr Moretti said Field Day was “a great day for the kids.”

More photos from the event are available in The Newtown Bee's online photo gallery.