Time to bust a move at daddy/daughter dance in NYM
News | Published on April 25, 2023 at 2:55pm GMT+0000 | Author: Tucker Henderson
0Event to include a grand march, formal dance
By Tucker Henderson
Reporter
A new event is beginning in New York Mills with the first Daddy/Daughter Dance for local families. The event, which is the first of its kind at the school, will take place on Sunday, April 30 at 3 p.m.
The dance was organized by Kristin Draeger, NY Mills School-Based Mental Health Practitioner through Lakeland Mental Health Center. She said she is looking forward to the dance and is excited to see local families participate.
“An event such as this has been well received in other communities,” said Draeger. “I’m thrilled to be able to have the opportunity and support to hold this dance for this community.”
All K-6 elementary girls are invited to attend with their dad, step-dad, uncle, grandpa or any other special person in their life. The event starts at 3 p.m. in the school auditorium with the Grand March. This portion of the event is open to the public so that moms and other family members are able to come and watch the program. Sign-in will start around 2:15 p.m. and can be reached through the District Office entry.
“As the LMHC practitioner in the school, it is important to me to offer activities that can enhance positive parent child interactions,” said Draeger. “My goal is to try to offer fun, family oriented, positive activities for children and their families to be together.”
When the Grand March is finished, dads and daughters will work their way to the school commons until 6 p.m. Snacks will be available to the dancers and a $7 fee with $3 per additional child will be charged at the door. Moms and grandmas will have the chance to run errands or visit while they wait, as the dance is closed to the public in hopes to encourage father-daughter bonding.
“We have been blessed to have many local businesses help sponsor the event,” Draeger said.
Mills Country Market, F&M Bank, Lund Boat Company, and Magnifi Financial have all donated to the event. Proceeds from the event will sponsor the Student Support Team.
“Our goal is to enhance student success by focusing on creating a strong social skill foundation and offering mental health support to students in need,” said Draeger. “Having supplies that help teach coping skills is a necessary need for the team, whether that be tools such as fidgets, breathing balls, sensory toys, break supplies like bean bags and blankets all contribute to providing children with things they need to be successful.”
Draeger said that this summer, the Student Support Team plans to offer more activities with potential trips to the pool, horticulture activities, and picnics for students. She mentioned that she hopes this event will be a success, so that they can continue the event on an annual basis. Plans for a mom/son event is also in the works for the future.