By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–Summer has come to an end and a new school year is underway and to help ease the transition from hitting the pool to hitting the books, the Helena Elementary School PTO hosted a back to school event on Friday, Aug. 12.

Current Helena Elementary School Principal Mary Cooper started the tradition 12 years ago to host a welcome back picnic for students and parents, which includes a free meal and entertainment.

On Aug. 12, the event was held in the Helena Elementary School cafeteria due to the threat of severe weather, but the weather didn’t put a damper on the night as dozens of students and parents piled into the cafeteria for a night of fun.

The HES PTO provided a complimentary meal that consisted of hot dogs, chips, a cookie and a free beverage as students got a chance to meet their new classmates and parents also had the chance to interact.

HES PTO Co-president Amber Bordelon helped serve the meals to families and said it’s a fun event as the first of the school year to help students get to know their new classmates.

“This is basically a thank you to everybody and it’s just a good way to start the school year,” said Bordelon. “We serve the meals free of charge and it’s fun for everyone to get together. It started 12 years ago and it’s just an annual event to help welcome everyone back to school.

In addition to free food, the students enjoyed entertainment from Roger Day, who sang a variety of songs and activities that students sang and danced along to.