It was a parade that won't be forgotten anytime soon — it brought tears to the eyes of some — and NewmarketToday reader and aunt Allie Zalewski wants to say thank you.
The teachers and staff at Maple Leaf Public School in Newmarket Heights decorated their vehicles with balloons and signs for a "physically distant" parade March 25 to let their students know that they are missed and that their teachers are there for them.
As about 30 vehicles slowly drove through the neighbourhood, horns honking enthusiastically, it was evident the effort cheered students and parents alike, as much laughter and cheers could be heard as families watched from their lawns and windows.
"It was super touching," said Zalewski, whose niece and nephews, Lexi, Lucas and Bentley, waved frantically from the lawn, holding signs saying, "We miss you" and calling out teachers' names as they drove by.
"I'm crying this is so nice," can be heard on the video she's sharing with our readers.
Zalewski said she feels the community needs some "good news" as we work our way together through the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s starting to get really, really hard so that’s why this is the right time for it, and we want positive media, we don’t want our kids scared,” said Robyn Zimmerman, a longtime Maple Leaf special education resource teacher, who helped organize the event.
— with files from Kim Champion
