By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–School is back in session and hundreds of Helena Elementary School students and parents gathered for a Welcome Back Picnic sponsored by the school’s Parent-Teacher Organization committee on Friday, Aug. 14.

The new school year began on Wednesday, Aug. 12 for the Shelby County School System and as a tradition, Helena Elementary School hosts a Welcome Back Picnic for HES students and parents to come out and enjoy a few hours of fun.

Helena Elementary School Principal Mary Cooper was excited that the weather turned out to be great for the event and was happy for a good turnout.

“This is something we do every year that’s free of charge to the community,” said Cooper. “We are out here grilling hot dogs and just having a good time. It’s a lot of fun and one of my favorite events to start the school year.”

Stacy Snyder, with the HES PTO, helped set up a lot of the activities and she reiterated much of what Cooper had to say.

“We’ve been out here since two this afternoon grilling hot dogs and setting up for tonight,” said Snyder. “It’s a lot of work but it’s also a lot of fun.”

Students and parents enjoyed a free dinner and numerous activities were set up behind the school for students to participate in.

One of the unique features of this year’s welcome back picnic was a photo booth that was tied to the schools Instagram account. Students could enter the photo booth with their friends and after their picture was taken, they could send the photo to be uploaded to the HES Instagram account.

Students also enjoyed the music that was played by DJ Boyhead, who played many student favorites including the popular tune “Let it go,” From Disney’s “Frozen.”

Helena residents Brian and Michelle Puckett were at the picnic with their daughter and discussed how much they enjoy Helena as a town and for the school system.

“We have lived in Helena for 10 years and we like it because there’s so much to get involved with,” said Brian. “We were happy when it was announced the new high school was being built and could stay in the same school system.”