Union Mills, Indiana, September 18, 2025
News Summary
In Union Mills, Indiana, South Central Elementary School organized a staff parade to connect with students during difficult times. Led by teacher Linissa Wirtes, over 24 staff members participated in the event that went through Union Mills, Wanatah, and Hanna, providing a heartfelt farewell amid an abrupt school closure. Community support was evident as families cheered with homemade signs. The parade highlighted the importance of maintaining relationships in education, even when direct interactions are limited, and showcased the community’s commitment to its educators.
Union Mills, Indiana – South Central Elementary School held a staff parade last Thursday to foster community connections during challenging times. The event featured participation from teachers and staff as they drove through Union Mills, Wanatah, and Hanna to bid farewell to their students amidst the abrupt school closure.
The parade was orchestrated by Linissa Wirtes, a sixth-grade teacher, who aimed to create relationships and offer a proper goodbye to students who had to leave school unexpectedly. Over 24 staff members actively participated in this meaningful initiative.
To enhance the experience, volunteer fire departments from Union Mills, Cass-Clinton, and Hanna provided an escort for the parade, ensuring safety while enabling engagement. The community demonstrated strong support as many families created homemade signs to cheer on the school staff, highlighting the lasting bond between the educators and their community.
The weather on the day of the parade was pleasant, featuring sunny skies with a high near 80°F and a low of 59°F, accompanied by light variable winds. This favorable weather contributed to a joyful atmosphere during the event.
The parade served as a vital means of maintaining social distancing protocols while still facilitating a sense of connection with the community. The event emphasized the commitment of educators to their students and the wider community, showcasing that even in uncertain times, relationships remain paramount.
Additionally, the staff parade stands as an illustration of how schools are willing to adapt and find innovative ways to connect with families and students during difficult circumstances. The South Central Elementary staff’s commitment to staying connected indicates the important role that education plays in community cohesion, especially when in-person interactions are limited.
Overall, the parade not only celebrated the students but also reiterated the necessity of ongoing collaboration and support between educators and families as they navigate through these unprecedented times.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the staff parade take place?
The staff parade took place last Thursday.
Who participated in the parade?
Participants included teachers and staff from South Central Elementary School.
What was the parade route?
The parade route went through Union Mills, Wanatah, and Hanna.
Who organized the event?
The event was organized by Linissa Wirtes, a sixth-grade teacher.
What was the goal of the parade?
Linissa Wirtes aimed to create relationships and offer a proper goodbye to students amidst abrupt school closure.
What was the theme of the parade?
The theme emphasized the importance of maintaining connections with the community.
How many staff members participated?
Over 24 staff members participated in the parade.
Which entities provided an escort for the parade?
The Union Mills, Cass-Clinton, and Hanna volunteer fire departments provided an escort for the parade.
How did the community show support?
The community showed strong support, as many families made homemade signs for the school staff.
What kind of weather was there during the event?
The weather was sunny with a high near 80°F and a low of 59°F, with light variable winds.
What was the significance of the parade?
The parade served as a safe way to practice social distancing while still engaging with the community.
Key Features of the Event
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Last Thursday |
| Participants | Teachers and staff from South Central Elementary School |
| Parade Route | Union Mills, Wanatah, and Hanna |
| Organizer | Linissa Wirtes, sixth-grade teacher |
| Number of Participants | Over 24 staff members |
| Community Support | Homemade signs made by families |
| Weather | Sunny, high near 80°F, low of 59°F |
| Safety Measure | Utilized social distancing practices |
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