With summer right around the corner and temperatures warming up across the country, two National Heritage Academies (NHA) schools in Dayton, Ohio partnered for a Neighborhood Ice Cream Tour event, delivering cold treats to students and families.
“This past Friday, the Pathway School of Discovery administration and staff had an opportunity to kick off the summer with our scholars and families in the community,” said Nathan Preston, principal at Pathway School of Discovery. “In spite of the rainy conditions, we saw many of our scholars and met with great families throughout Huber Heights and Dayton. We look forward to hosting another event and seeing our families again this summer.”
North Dayton School of Discovery and Pathway School of Discovery mapped a neighborhood crawl with the help of Ice Cream on Wheels, which offers a full menu of ice cream choices. The group toured through the schools’ surrounding neighborhoods, passing out frozen treats, all accompanied by a live DJ.
“We were extremely excited to connect with our students and other community members after the abrupt closure of school in March. We are thankful that NHA partnered with the Dayton schools to enhance the experience with an ice cream truck for our students and others in the community,” said Victoria Simmons, principal at North Dayton School of Discovery. “Students and families wore big smiles and several parents commented that the event was very nice and thoughtful. The North Dayton staff misses our students and families dearly.”
The Neighborhood Ice Cream Tour kicked off at North Dayton, eventually making their way to Pathway. Volunteers from both schools joined in to make the festivities possible. Students and eagerly lined up, face masks included, to get their hands on the tasty frozen treats.
“It was a wonderful community event,” said Tomica Livingston, manager of admissions at NHA. “Our families were excited to see their school leaders and staff. It allowed the community to see our school family caring for each other in the amazing way that we do. Everyone had a fantastic time.”
The frozen treats included familiar favorites like snow cones, ice cream sandwiches, and fudge bars, and even some looney cartoon-themed treats. In total, the schools distributed 273 ice cream treats!
“Two NHA schools in Dayton love to be involved in the local community!’ said Jim Pierce, admissions representative for NHA. “We are doing this during these trying times to give kids and parents a fun, free, and enjoyable distraction!”