The Sandy Hook Elementary School PTA hosted a picnic the evening of August 30 to welcome students and family members to the 2018-19 school year.

The event is an annual celebration at the school. Families brought their own food, picnic blankets, and drinks; the PTA supplied ice cream, which was donated by the Holy Cow Ice Cream Shop.

The PTA set up an ice cream station where students and families could build sundaes. Nearby, school spirit wear was on display for sale, including hats that offered protection from the bright sun.

As families arrived, parents set up beach chairs or picnic blankets. Many families could be seen carrying pizza boxes. It was a warm evening, and many students ventured inside to play in the school’s air-conditioned gymnasium between eating bites of dinner. Other students played outside on the school’s playground.

There were many hugs and big smiles as students greeted friends.