Middle school fills for Family Fun Fair

MT. PLEASANT — Families enjoyed time together playing, eating, and learning at the Family Fun Fair at hosted by Mt. Pleasant Community School District during conferences, Tuesday evening.

Following a not very well attended “May it be Healthy,” event last spring, MPCSD Student and Family advocate Martha Peterson and the school district counseling team revamped the idea and created the Family Fun Fair.

Last year, Peterson said they intended to “get to a world where there isn’t as much of a stigma around mental health.”

Instead of an evening with a panel of experts, the team opted for a family fun night, which consisted of minute to win it games, conversation starting activities, crafts, dinner, prizes, and informational booths.

“I’ve been busy,” PTA Volunteer Alicia Whalen said from her post at the minute to win it games. “I haven’t had a break!”

Collaborating with Iowa Wesleyan’s Intro to Counseling class, the event offered many hands-on opportunities.

According to the class professor Nathan Hough, approximately 20 IW students volunteered their time in preparation and participation for this event as part of their service-learning course.

“They are practicing their questioning skills and self-awareness,” he said.

“The coupons are my favorite part that the students came up with,” Hough added.

Students created coupons parents and children could give one another for things like a movie night, cuddles, and other bonding activities.

One IW student group created a beach ball question activity for children and parents to use to get to know one another better.

Mt. Pleasant students had a blast at the event.

“I like the face painting,” Harlan Elementary third-grader Abigail Beckner said.

Seventh-grader Aven Beauchamp enjoyed playing corn hole.

Overall, the school district hosted a significantly more successful event which encouraged families and put critical information into their hands.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com