PHOENIX, NY – Phoenix’s Emerson J. Dillon Middle School hosted a well-attended Open House and Wellness Fair on the evening of September 14, showcasing both the school’s dedication to academics and its commitment to student well-being.
The school opened its doors for its annual Open House, allowing students and families to tour the building and meet with faculty and staff.
“We’ve actually had people come in from the community saying they want to check out the building because of all the new construction that’s been done,” said principal Jessica Ariola, referencing the significant capital projects the school has undertaken in recent years.
In addition to the more traditional appeal of an open house, EJD also included the district’s Wellness Night, bringing in over a dozen organizations and businesses focused on students’ and families’ physical and emotional health. This addition brought in many students and families outside of EJD’s student body.
“We felt the Wellness Fair paired well with EJD specifically because we get such a great turnout with families already,” said Ariola. “It’s so nice because you end up getting a mix of current students, former students, and families. And we definitely get a lot of community members coming in, which is nice.”
Visitors could tour vendor booths in the building’s entrance hall and network with community organizations and resources. Visiting groups included Liberty Resources, PAWS of CNY, Oswego County Prevention Coalition, Phoenix Food Pantry, Erin’s Angels, the Oswego County Health Department, STOP DWI New York, SAF Services to Aid Families, Cornell Cooperative SNAP-ED, NY Office for people with Developmental Disabilities, the Phoenix Chorus and Band Boosters, and more. Additional tables showcased the district’s SEL and Equity and Inclusion programs.
The Wellness Night program began before the covid pandemic but was recently rekindled within Phoenix. The event was organized by the student services staff and Director of Pupil, Personnel and Special Education Tim Ristau.
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