District Declares “Family Night,” Sept. 15

The Montclair district has declared Thursday, September 15, “Family Night” in a cooperative effort by the PTA Council and the Board of Education. There are no school events scheduled that night so that families can have a night “off” to spend time together.

Central Office administrators worked with the Principals, Assistant Principals and Montclair High School's Athletic Director to revise and rework a host of activities and events in the school calendar. “It took a lot of coordination and effort, but it was well worth it to give families the chance  to relax together without the daily pressures,” said Felice Harrison, Assistant to the Superintendent.

Mary Emanuelli, PTA president at Bullock School proposed the idea to the PTA Council last year.

Today’s families are always on the go, especially in the beginning of the school year as activities and sports kick in and back to school nights are scheduled. “Hopefully, by having a designated family dinner night, with the support of the school district, it will relieve some of the after school and evening obligations so families can all eat together,” she added. “It doesn’t have to be anything fancy; whether it’s something you cook with your kids, pizza, chicken fingers, soup and salad, or leftover pot roast, the idea is to get the whole family to the dinner table at the same time.”

“I support this effort for families to have a quiet, relaxed evening at home and enjoy it together,” said Superintendent Frank Alvarez. “Because our lives often do not allow for this type of quality time, I encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity.”