The hallways of E. R. Martin School looked a little different this week. There were sirens made of construction paper, hand-painted wheels rolling past classroom doors, and a parade of future firefighters, doctors, construction workers, police officers, and delivery drivers proudly on display.
For the fourth year in a row, Pre-K scholars in Room 128 with Mrs. Cabezas brought their Community Helper and Transportation units to life through the annual Community Helper and Transportation Parade. What began as a classroom project became a schoolwide celebration of imagination, family partnership, and early learning in action.
Over the past several weeks, students worked alongside their families to design and build vehicles of their choosing. Police cars, motorcycles, mail trucks, race cars, ice cream trucks, and even electric vehicles made their way through the corridors. Each cardboard creation represented more than creativity. It reflected conversations at home about neighborhoods, jobs, and the many ways people contribute to a community.
This year, the celebration grew even bigger. Pre-K scholars in Room 126 with Mrs. Backenstose joined the parade, walking proudly in costumes that represented careers they may one day pursue. Tiny hard hats and firefighter helmets bobbed through the halls. A future surgeon adjusted her lab coat. A future officer tipped his cap. Each step was filled with confidence and joy.
And yes, there was even a familiar presence keeping everyone “safe.” Officer Mumma made a special appearance, playfully handing out “speeding tickets” to parade participants as they navigated the hallways. The laughter that followed was proof that learning and fun can go hand in hand.
Events like this highlight the power of early childhood education. Through hands-on projects, collaboration with families, and real-world connections, our youngest scholars are already building an understanding of how communities function and how they can contribute. They are practicing communication, creativity, and confidence. They are learning that their ideas matter.
At the School District of Lancaster, we believe in creating experiences that connect learning to life. The Community Helper and Transportation Parade at Martin School is a perfect example of what happens when classrooms open their doors and invite the whole school into the celebration.
The vehicles may have been made of cardboard, but the pride, partnership, and possibility on display were very real.