BIDDEFORD — With more than 400 participants showing up to enjoy an early evening barbecue, Biddeford Primary School administrators are calling last week’s first BPS community picnic a resounding success.

The event was conducted at scenic Mechanics Park in downtown Biddeford  on Sept. 20 and was planned as a way to help school staff members find yet another way to reach out and connect with students’ families.

All families of students attending Biddeford Primary School were invited to participate and they turned out in force, the school’s principal said.

“Based on feedback, we know not all family members are comfortable coming to the school setting so we decided it was time to go to them,” said BPS Principal Margaret Pitts. “This was a perfect opportunity for staff to interact with students and their families to create a sense of togetherness and fellowship.”

Biddeford Primary School serves a student population of 525 students and offers instruction in grades one through three.

It is among the most diverse student bodies in all of Maine, ranking 34th overall for student diversity among 370 Maine elementary schools in the 2017-2018 school year.

Through the years, with that diverse a student population, Biddeford Primary School administrators have found that some parents find it difficult visiting their child’s school and the formality that comes with those visits, especially for new immigrants. So, the community picnic was an opportunity to interact with students and families off-site in an informal setting.

“We care about their children and grandchildren and want them to feel at ease and connected with the school beyond just academics,” Pitts said. “We know that strengthened relationships with families will reap positive benefits for all.”

Because of the large turnout, she said, Biddeford Primary School looks forward to hosting another similar event in the near future.

— Executive Editor Ed Pierce can be reached at 282-1535 or by email at editor@journaltribune.com