Finding Ways to Celebrate

In honor of avoiding large crowds, we adapted our end of the school year celebration in our Harrisburg, Missouri Neighborhood. Each home celebrated in place, and was assigned one support staff person from the office to celebrate with them.

Kona Ice helps children celebrate | coyotehill.org

Kona Ice started the party by going from home to home. Cathy with Kona Ice was incredible and so generous with her time and products! One boy was not content with one, or even two flavors…he wanted all of the flavors in his cone! An eight-year-old boy in Zimmer Home saw the “soy free” sign and was concerned the snow cone would have soy sauce in it, until someone explained. He was excited to try the sour rainbow snow cone. He insisted that others try it, as he delighted seeing them crinkle their noses at the sourness. 

After the snow cones, various fun events were held at each home, a few of which included:

  • Sing part of a Disney song all together
  • Do a group yoga pose
  • Walk on your hands
  • Spell a word using your bodies
  • Line up oldest to youngest
  • Take a photo with a dog
  • Create a dance video 

Mackenzie Vassar, youngest daughter of Home Parents Aaron & Mary Vassar in The Atherton Home, led the dance video creation for their home. Using the ‘BFF Handshake’ video, she taught everyone step-by-step how to do it. When asked if she was glad school was done, she said with a heavy sigh, “Yes. It’s been so hard to learn without a teacher. I hope to see friends again soon for my birthday.”

To make the event special for each child, awards were presented. 

“Finishing another year of school and celebrating this win is a big deal  for our kiddos every year. They all deserve an award, whether or not they could attend school this spring. Awards don’t have to be school related. There are a thousand things we can praise our children for!” 

~~Merri Heberlein, Home Parent Mom in The Wright Home
Boy with the best smile award | coyotehill.org

For instance, one girl received an award for telling the best jokes. One young boy was awarded for giving the best hugs, another for his bravery, and another for the best smile.

Some of the older children’s awards included High Achiever, Most Improved, Most Charismatic and Most Persevering. 

“Oldest to Youngest” line-up at The Zimmer Home

The 2020 school year came to an end much differently than any before it. Yet thanks to your support and our creative staff, there were many ways and reasons to celebrate.

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