The occasion merited a celebration: A new school year; school name; and a new school community. To share the moment, the students, families, and staff from the newly christened Green Ridge Elementary School (GRES) gathered together at the end of the school day on September 10th for their first Ice Cream Social.

Starting with the 2026-27 school year, Green Ridge, formerly known as The Dorset School, is now home to some 200 K-5 students. Children from Sunderland Elementary, Currier Memorial, and The Dorset School are now all together in the same building. Well before the start of the academic year, parent volunteers from all three schools were meeting together and coming up with ideas for building this new school community.

“In selecting an ice cream party to launch the new year, the parents borrowed from a past tradition at Sunderland Elementary and The Dorset School,” said GRES Principal Carolyn Parillo, who previously held the same position at the Currier Memorial, which served students from Danby and Mt. Tabor. “It creates just the right atmosphere for getting to know each other.”

On the appointed hour, well over 350 students, parents and staff savored the featured treat for the day. “We cleaned out the ice cream supply at five Walmarts,” said one parent volunteer. And while the demand for chocolate and vanilla was apparent across the grounds, the choice of the kindergarten class was clear: Rainbow Ice Cream!

After the frozen delight, the young ones from all grades took advantage of the blue skies and summer weather for more time outside on their playground with their new classmates. They laughed and played, a captivating blur of little ones.

“The Ice Cream Social was the first time that all our kids had been on the playground at the same time,” said Parillo. “To see two hundred children of all ages mixing joyfully together was a testament to the hard work of our staff in encouraging positive behavior. It was a sign of good things to come.”

While the children played, the day also offered opportunities for the older party participants. The informal gathering provided the perfect pitch for parents to catch-up with familiar faces and make new friends. Just as important was the chance to meet informally with GRES teachers and staff.

“While we faced a few logistical challenges in the first few days of the year, our teachers are doing great work in our classrooms and events like this one will continue to build a strong and dedicated community,” said Parillo.  “I am really excited about what lies ahead.”

And next up on the Green Ridge community agenda is a Harvest Open House at the school on October 8th. This gathering was selected by a Green Ridge Staff Traditions Committee composed of GRSE teachers who worked previously at Sunderland Elementary, Currier Memorial, and The Dorset School. They are  tasked with establishing school customs, activities and norms to be passed along to future students. The Harvest Open House provides an opportunity for families and staff to enjoy an autumn evening together, as well as a chance for the young ones to meet and pet goats and other furry farm animals.