When you see many, many families come together in a place where both children and adults are comfortable, good times can't be far behind. Throw in fun crafts and stuff to do, and you'll have a great time.

Add to that folks young and old getting into the spirit of Halloween by dressing as their favorite characters, and you've got the KPS Monster Mash!

This year's event brought together some old favorites with a dash of new thinking to make it the best Halloween event ever. Mr. Hagan was back again this year, taking time out of his busy schedule to host Mr. Hagan's Haunted Gym for the night's third and fourth graders. Mr. Tompkins, staffing the check-in line for the gym along with Mr. Cuccinello, was all smiles as students shared just how much fun this activity can be. The biggest bouncy house we've ever had in the cafeteria was the activity of choice for our kindergarten, first and second graders. The giant obstacle course, shaped in a familiar train motif, gave our younger students the chance to burn off the extra energy they gained by stopping at the concession stand for one of Ms. Pinkerton's famous hot dogs!

Pictures tell the story, and you can see just how much fun folks were having! You can see all of the photos taken by yearbook photographer Gina Davis in our online gallery at http://www.kpspto.org/photoinfo.htm
Remember, a portion of each purchase of the photos in our gallery goes directly to help fund events like this!

Event Coordinator Amy Conroy and Fundraising Coordinator Michelle Yorio, along with Chairperson Stephanie Dicembrino really made this sold-out event family friendly. By spreading the crafts and games areas out a bit and removing the hallway attractions, the new plan kept kids and parents moving, while avoiding that cramped, over-crowded feeling. As they moved, folks got a chance to sample some of the best homemade treats around at our Harvest Dessert table.

The big winner, by popular vote, was Vanessa Longo, who made Oreo Truffles that just melted in your mouth. (At least, that's what I'm told. They went too quickly for me to get a chance to try them - hint, hint). For the second year in a row, Vanessa's creation won out over some delicious pumpkin squares, Red velvet cake balls, cakes and pies and whatever was in that delicious kitty litter dessert, (I know, I know...but I'm told it was delicious).

Did you stop by the Care Packages for the Troops room? What a great thing it was to see the three huge boxes of stuff you collected for our brave men and women overseas. KPS mom Doris O’Toole and your Fundraising Coordinator Michelle Yorio made that happen, and CHS PA President Sue Stone made sure it all went smoothly. What a great testament to the National Pride that can be found at KPS!

KPS teachers rock! There were many teachers on hand to share in the fun, which is always a good thing. Kids and parents really love to see teachers in a more social setting, and it makes us feel good to know that we are all part of one big family! Thanks so much for joining us, Ms. Raymond, Mrs. Quindazzi, Mrs.Constantinides, Ms.Cairl, Mrs.McDermott for set-up, Mr. Hagan, Mr. Tompkins, Ms. Pinkerton, Mrs. Peck, & Paige Peck and Mrs. Mercado for helping out during the event, and of course, the really tough job…Mrs. Kuney, Mr. Flood, and Mrs. Constantinides as judges for the dessert contest! Of course, Red, Donna and Joe made sure the building was in sparkling shape before and after the event, as they always do. Their efforts go a long way to making a tough job look easy!

When all is said and done, it comes down to this... the kids in attendance had a great time. That was made possible by the many people... teachers, administrators, parents and teenaged volunteers who came together to make it a fun event. A big shout out has to go to the kids as well, who were very well behaved and ready to have a pleasant time. Businesses in our community are always willing to lend a hand and offer flexibility when it comes to supporting us, and we hope you can find ways to support them in your travels. Your Vice President, Donna Perrault made sure that we could count on her husband Steve and Arnold Bakery for the delicious hot dog rolls, as they have so often in the past. Country Gardens was our supplier of pumpkins, and we’re pretty sure everyone who wanted a pumpkin got one!

Without that kind of support, events like this can't be held. All who participated can be proud of the fact that they helped make this night a success...so, THANK YOU!!!

See you at the Talent Show!!!