Dear UES Parents and Guardians:
We are all very excited about our lantern parade to celebrate 75 years of Union Elementary School.
Please keep in mind the following information for our special evening event on Wednesday, February 18th:
Timing:
The parade will leave from the lower playground at UES at 6:00pm and will end at approximately 7pm at the Vermont College of Fine Arts. (See reverse side for parade map) Please arrive between 5:15-5:30 pm at the school to collect your lantern and pole. You may want to carpool and/or leave extra time to find parking.
4th/ 5th Grade Students: go to the BIG GYM to pick up lanterns which will be organized by class groupings.
Kindergarten through to 3rd Grade Students: go to your classrooms.
All lanterns will be marked with students’ names so take a minute to make sure you have the right lantern. Instructions on how to turn on the LED lights will be supplied. You will also be given a bamboo pole to use for the duration of the parade (please return the pole at VCFA Green)
By 5:45pm at the latest, please make your way to Park Avenue to line up for the parade. Stewards will direct you as to where to line up for the parade with your class.
Student Supervision:
Students MUST have a parent or another responsible adult accompany them throughout the parade on the parade route and during the event. If you have children in different classes, you are welcome to choose to walk as a family together. Students CANNOT be dropped off at the UES to be met at the end of the parade.
What to Wear:
DRESS WARMLY! You will be outside for a while. Waterproof shoes, thermals, gloves, hats, etc. Gloves are especially useful for carrying the bamboo poles for the lanterns.
At the VCFA Green:
Hot chocolate and cider will be available and there will be a short ceremony. Please RETURN YOUR POLE TO A STEWARD (who will be wearing a yellow safety vest). You may keep your lanterns and lights to take home. You will go home directly from VCFA. Parking is available in campus lots and on the streets around VCFA. We will have maps of VCFA and the parking lots posted on our blog: http://uesart.blogspot.com/
Please instruct your child to meet you at the hot chocolate/cider stand on the VCFA Green if you get separated.
Please be aware that the parade route goes up a hill – some family members may want to join the parade somewhere along the way or meet us at VCFA.
Lantern Parade Etiquette:
Please model and review following parade etiquette with your child before the parade:
- ALWAYS USE WALKING FEET! You must walk BEHIND the band leading us to VCFA. The band will set the pace for the whole parade.
- Hold the bamboo pole firmly with two hands – with the lantern out in front (like a fishing rod) and not back over the shoulder. No swinging your pole.
- Please be aware of the people around you and hold your lantern as high as possible, where it can be seen and enjoyed by all.
Keep in tight formation, BE SAFE AND HAVE FUN!