On Thursday, April 24, Henry P. Becton Regional staff had the opportunity to bring their child to work, participating in a variety of engaging activities.
BRHS Vice Principal, National Honor Society Advisor and coordinator of Bring Your Child to Work Day, Mrs. Amanda Colangelo, comments on the importance of this event in highlighting the strong sense of community we have built at Becton, “It provides both students and parents with the opportunity to connect with the school, celebrate our teamwork and experience the creativity at Becton. Since we all spend so much time at work, it’s really nice for the children to see where we spend our days and what we do in our roles. It’s also a great way to share a part of our ‘outside of work lives’ with students, helping them see us as more than just their teachers. Ultimately, it’s a day that brings everyone together to create lasting memories and strengthens our school community.”
Mrs. Colangelo prioritized a healthy balance of physical and creative activities for students throughout the day. The event began in the gym, where children played games like bean bag toss and tug of war. They then had the opportunity to craft in the media center, creating picture frames, keychains, and rock art. For lunch, students enjoyed a special treat of pizza and ice cream sundaes. Finally, the children made clay creatures and scratch art bookmarks before joining their parents in the classroom.
Members of Becton’s National Honor Society volunteered their time throughout the day, serving as leaders and guides. They assisted the children in navigating various activities and escorted them to visit their parents during class.
Mrs. Colangelo expresses her gratitude toward NHS members, noting that the day would be incomplete without them. “They made sure the children felt comfortable and welcome by greeting them as they entered the gym, playing games like the bean bag toss or tug of war, helping with crafts, assisting in lunch, and offering company to those who needed it. I was so proud of their natural ability to engage with the children – it truly impressed me and the Becton staff!”
English teacher, Mrs. Justine Settembrino, and Physical Education teacher, Mr. Michael Settembrino, brought their two children, 10-year-old Ryder and 5-year-old Waverly. “Becton does a lovely job setting up a fun-filled and interactive day for the kids. Our students are also very kind and welcoming,” Mrs. Settembrino acknowledges.
Their two children thoroughly enjoyed their time in the gym, where Ryder was able to play pickleball and spend time with friends. Waverly spent time in her mom’s classroom, excited to be able to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to her public speaking class.
English teacher, Mr. Vincent Sommese, brought his three sons: 11-year-old Daniel, 10-year-old Vincent, and 8-year-old Matthew. Mr. Sommese reflected on the value of the day, expressing his appreciation for the opportunity to share a different side of himself with Becton students. “It helps humanize me for them and allows me to become a little more than just ‘Mr. Sommese’,” he notes.
His children left with an eagerness to return—perhaps due to the warm interactions with Becton students, or simply the joy of enjoying ice cream sundaes and playing games with other children in the Child Study Team.
Math teacher, Mrs. Kelly Diakos, brought her two daughters, 10-year-old Maria and 7-year-old Panagiota. Her children look forward to Bring Your Child to Work Day each year, enjoying the chance to socialize with Becton’s older students while gaining insight into their mother’s daily routine. “I enjoy bringing my children to work because they have the opportunity to see what my day is like. They also love meeting my students and exploring the building,” Mrs. Diakos shared enthusiastically.
Mrs. Diakos adds, “Maria was able to go to the school’s weight room and was impressed with the equipment that Becton students use every day! Panagiota was excited that she was able to make her own picture frame, along with painting a rock with the National Honor Society members.”
TV Studio Assistant, Mrs. Carly Blake, eagerly anticipated Bring Your Child to Work Day, as it was her 5-year-old daughter Mackenzie’s first time participating. Mackenzie had the opportunity to film the news for Becton TV, following in her mother’s footsteps.
Five-year-old Mackenzie exclaims, “My favorite part of the day was making new friends! I am ready for playdates,” as she was generally a social butterfly throughout the day.
The success of such a tremendous and fun-filled day would not have been possible without the support of our staff. Administrative Assistant to VP Confidential Secretary, Mrs. Maciel, coordinated the activities with ease, while the Physical Education team led the high-energy events. The Culinary and Art Departments, as well as Pomptonian Food Service, generously contributed by providing supplies for arts and crafts, lunch, as well as the ice cream social. Becton’s maintenance team also played a key role by setting up and breaking down many of the spaces used throughout the day, demonstrating how seamlessly our school community comes together to create an unforgettable experience.
Becton Regional views Bring Your Child to Work Day as a valuable opportunity to showcase the excitement and significance of a parent’s role as a teacher, while also offering children engaging activities and tours of the school. Although the children were reluctant to leave, they are already looking forward to the next Bring Your Child to Work Day!
