Aiken’s Pumpkin-Palooza Brings Halloween Fun and Learning to Students

Aiken Celebrates Halloween with Fun and Learning at Pumpkin-Palooza

This Halloween, the sweet town of Aiken turned up the festivities with a delightful community event known as Pumpkin-Palooza. Held on October 31 at Aiken Innovate, the annual gathering brought together students, teachers, and families for a day filled with fun activities and a lot of smiles. Despite the early morning fog that eventually gave way to a lovely afternoon, spirits were high as about 60 students showed up to partake in the Halloween celebration.

A Day of Games, Creativity, and Friendship

The premise of the event was simple: provide a platform for students—many of whom attend virtual classes—to gather and enjoy a day of camaraderie and creativity. “It’s a fun thing for them to do,” explained Dustin Fowler, the virtual learning coordinator at Aiken Innovate. “They get to see their friends they’ve met while in class, and it provides them with a space to hang out in.”

Students had a blast engaging in various activities, from face painting and pumpkin decorating to playing games and enjoying Halloween-themed music. Sixth grader Lydia Zarick was one of the many students enthusiastically decorating pumpkins. “This is so much fun! I love being able to see my classmates in person,” she shared, showcasing her creativity.

Costumes, Creativity, and Community

The creativity of the students was on full display, with many arriving in fantastic costumes. A seventh grader named Rose Lamberth turned heads with her hand-painted dinosaur mask complete with ram’s horns. Participating in an event like this helped foster connections that might not happen in a traditional classroom environment, and parents were close by, cheering their kids on. “The teachers are awesome, and she’s really enjoying it,” commented Rose’s mother, Lora Lamberth.

Alongside the fun, students had the chance to keep their technology up to date, which is essential for their virtual learning experience. “We encourage them to install updates on their laptops,” said Fowler. The event not only provided an opportunity for relaxation but also highlighted the importance of maintaining their tools for education.

Celebrating Achievements

While the students engaged in playful activities, they also took a moment to celebrate their academic achievements. Scott Ayers, a history teacher in the middle school, distributed A/B honor roll certificates to recognize students’ hard work during the first nine-week grading period. Aiden Stallings, a seventh grader, beamed as he received his recognition, stating, “It’s easier to make better grades here,” highlighting the program’s supportive approach.

A Warm Embrace for All Learners

Aiken Innovate serves as a unique educational space, catering to students seeking a mix of online and in-person learning. As Fowler mentioned, “We’ve got students looking for flexibility and a quieter environment to thrive.” This alternative schooling option resonates with many who might need a change from traditional schooling due to various personal or familial circumstances.

Examples of this flexibility include Jackie Wilhelm, who noted how her grandson Shaun Williams benefits from the program. “He’s done better in Aiken Innovate than he did face-to-face,” she reflected, affirming the program’s positive impact on student success.

Looking Forward

As the day wrapped up, teachers like Glenda Smith, who donned a witch’s outfit, vowed to create more opportunities for students to come together like this. “It’s exciting to have them in person,” she expressed, delighted by the interactions and laughter that filled the air.

Events like Pumpkin-Palooza not only foster a sense of community among students but also encourage a love of learning in a vibrant, interactive atmosphere. As Julie Griffin, a sixth-grade teacher, noted, “We should do this more often. This is a great school, and the kids all seem excited to be here today.” With an optimistic horizon ahead, Aiken Innovate continues to navigate the road of education with creativity and heart.