“Groundhog Dayzz” Winter Fun At Berlin CSD
by Amy Modesti
Punxsutawney Phil made his prediction of six more weeks of winter. Little did the groundhog know that Saturday, Berlin CSD hosted “Groundhog Dayzz,” a fun winter event held for students and the Berlin school community, shadows or not.
For three hours on Saturday, February 5, about 60 community members, with MS/HS Principal, Mrs. Jodi Sullivan, Athletic Director and MS/HS Vice Principal, Charles Paravella, Superintendent, Mr. Joseph Dhara (along with his wife and two children), and School Board President Frank Zwack also in attendance. Prior to entering, temperatures of guests were taken by school staff before taking part in an enjoyable, socially distanced festivity.
Being outdoors on a bright sunny day was a bonus to all who attended “Groundhog Dayzz.” Guests enjoyed snowshoeing, cross country skiing, searched for hand-crafted winter garden gnomes, keep warm by a large fire controlled by members of the Berlin FD, sleigh riding, and snowball fights. Students also took selfies with three Berlin MS/HS snowmen, decked out in winter hats and big smiles to shine a gleam of happiness and winter fun on this day.
Ms. Shannon DeCelle and Ms. Dawn Wetmore were the two class advisors that organized “Groundhog Dayzz.” In addition to the festivities, guests could purchase a cup of hot chocolate to drink, donuts to snack on, and a home-made knitted headband, made by both Jodi Sullivan and her mother. The BMHS PTO also provided chili and s’mores. Proceeds from these sales went towards the Berlin HS Class of 2024.
Despite the challenges that COVID-19 has brought to the community, Berlin CSD succeeded in making sure that its students and community enjoyed a day of having some winter fun safely and brought much needed normalcy during this cold winter season. “Groundhog Dayzz” was deemed a success and the staff hopes to make this day an annual event.
Happy Groundhog Dayzz from everyone at Berlin CSD and the Town of Berlin.