The PTAs of Middle Gate Elementary School and Head O'Meadow (HOM) Elementary School celebrated the start of the 2026-27 school year in a sweet way: by hosting their own ice cream social events. Middle Gate held its ice cream social on Wednesday, September 2, while HOM threw its event on Thursday, September 3.

For both occasions, children returned to school with their parents or caretakers that evening. The events served as an opportunity for kids and adults to have fun and catch up with one another over a sweet treat.

On Wednesday, Middle Gate families made their way into the building's cafeteria, where they were greeted by members of the school's PTA. Everyone could pick up their tickets for the event or learn more about the Middle Gate PTA and make a donation to the organization.

After that, attendees lined up to get their scoop of chocolate or vanilla ice cream, which came courtesy of Ferris Acres Creamery. Middle Gate PTA members, school staff, and current and former students were ready at a moment's notice to serve people toppings. Everyone could help themselves to sprinkles, graham crackers, gummy worms, marshmallows, Oreo pieces, M&M's, chocolate or caramel syrup, whipped cream, and cherries.

Students sat with their family or friends at one of the many tables in the cafeteria, talking amongst themselves as they ate their ice cream. There were also several coloring sheets on each table for people to decorate at their leisure.

For HOM's event on Thursday, families gathered outside at the school's playground area. It was there they found a table filled with all sorts of sweet treats, ranging from Jonny Pops, Bomb Pops, and Popsicles to FatBoys, Chipwiches, and KitKat dessert cones.

Kids excitedly ran up to the table and asked for their dessert of choice, after which a HOM PTA member would pull it out of a cooler.

For many students, the fun did not end after they finished their dessert. At both ice cream socials, students went to go play on the school's playground. Smiles were aplenty as students laughed amongst themselves, playing on the swings and slides, with their families keeping a close eye nearby.

=====

Reporter Jenna Visca can be reached at jenna@thebee.com.