feature story / 15 Seth Boyden PTA co-president Kelly Villan- ueva says having Principal Frye visit is “like having a celebrity come to your house.” to attend from another zone, build- ing community has to be intentional. That’s why the PTA schedules a picnic and school tour a week before school starts as well as a first-day welcoming party for new families. And during the summer, it sponsors two play days and solicits help to weed and water the garden, all in an effort for parents and children to get to know one another. During another home visit, Frye and Villanueva visited with parents who spoke very little English. None- theless, they were able to communi- cate essential pieces of information and invite the family to help in the Seth Boyden garden – something that happened simply because Frye noticed their extensive garden which was clear- ly a source of pride. It served as the perfect means to bring them into the school community. Asked about some favorite mo- ments during his visits, Frye recounts how a little girl greeted him at the door all dressed up to reflect the importance of the occasion. At another home, when it was time for the photo that he takes at the end of every visit, the boy climbed up on Frye’s lap, already so comfortable with the leader of his new school. When it was time for Maeve’s photo with Frye, she offered a ready smile, clutching the backpack that gave her new bragging rights. If her picture is any indication of how the first day of school goes, it’s likely to be a breeze. Ellen Donker enjoyed seeing Principal Frye interact with the children and par- ents alike. n SERVICE  KNOWLEDGE  EXPERTISE Broker / Sales Associate 973-214-4636 Susan.Blodgett@cbmoves.com Sales Associate 973-219-8865 Virginia.Spiegel@cbmoves.com Susan Blodgett, ABR Ginny Spiegel @WeKnowNJRealEstate 145 Maplewood Avenue Maplewood, NJ 973-378-8300 THIS IS HOME. THIS IS HOME. THE POWER OF AN INSPIRED EDUCATION CO-ED n NURSERY THROUGH GRADE 8 n SHORT HILLS, NJ P R O G R E S S I V E E D U C A T I O N S I N C E 1 9 4 8 FALL 2017 OPEN HOUSES Wednesday, October 25 Friday, November 17 Tuesday, November 28 RSVP 973.379.3442 or farbrook.org