ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, VA (Rocktown Now) — On November 1, 2024, River Bend Elementary will host a lively 1950s-themed spirit day with various fun and educational activities to foster community spirit, celebrate student attendance achievements, and engage families in a positive school atmosphere. The event will operate on an early-release schedule, making room for a day full of exciting activities for students, staff, and families.

The purpose of the 1950s Spirit Day is to:

  • Promote Positive Attendance: Special awards and recognition will be given to students who have missed fewer than five days by October 31, 2024.
  • Build School Community: Bring together staff, students, and families for shared experiences that strengthen bonds.
  • Connect with the Local Community: Involve local community members, including car enthusiasts who will display their antique cars.
  • Encourage Family Engagement: Create a welcoming environment for families to celebrate report card distribution and parent-teacher conference time in a fun, relaxed setting.

Spirit Day Highlights:

All attendees are encouraged to dress up in 1950s-style costumes, and the school will be decorated in the style. The cafeteria will join the theme with a “diner-style” lunch featuring hamburgers and fries. Families are invited to volunteer and participate alongside their children.

Morning Activities (Optional):
Teachers may choose to lead students through classic 1950s-inspired activities, including:

  • Outdoor Games: Recess activities such as hopscotch, jump rope, hula hoops, bikes, and Red Rover.
  • Box Car Relay Drag Races: Relay races using wearable box cars.
  • Bowling, Bubble Gum Blowing Contest, and Silly Putty-Making
  • Toy Exploration: 1950s toy classics like Slinky, Mr. Potato Head, and more!
  • Photo Booth: Capture memories from the day.

Afternoon School-Wide Events:

The afternoon festivities will include:

  • Antique Car Parade (1:00 p.m.): Classes will gather to enjoy a parade of vintage vehicles, led by the ERHS Marching Band, around the parking lot and drop-off line. Some students will get the chance to ride in the antique cars alongside their family members.
  • Attendance Awards and Photo Opportunity: Students with excellent attendance will be celebrated with a grade-level photograph alongside Elvis impersonator, Isaac Stroupe. Students with perfect attendance will enjoy a root beer float during lunch.
  • Pep Rally and Sock Hop: Following the parade, students will attend a 1950s-inspired pep rally and sock hop in the gymnasium, with live music from Elvis impersonator Isaac Stroupe.

Superintendent Dr. Larry Shifflett will announce each car and driver during the antique car show, where attendees can enjoy a slideshow of participating vehicles, “Cardinal Cruise-In Slides.”