The Fair Haven tradition known as Transition Day celebrates the progress of Sickles School third graders toward fourth grade at Knollwood School — and highlights the fact that a majority of students bicycle to school in Fair Haven.
Press release from Fair Haven School District
Amid shouts of “Knollwood, Knollwood!”, a red trolley full of third graders left Viola L. Sickles School on Willow Street, and headed toward Knollwood School. The trolley, festooned with white bows and ribbons, was followed by the rest of the third grade class who were chaperoned by local law enforcement officers, administrators and teachers from both schools, and eighth graders from Knollwood School — all of them on bicycles.
Rounding the corner of Fair Haven Road and Third Street, they all headed uphill to begin the last leg of the journey. They were greeted along the route by supporters holding signs of encouragement and congratulations, and messages such as “Goodbye Sickles, Hello Knollwood” written in chalk on the pavement.
Welcome to Fair Haven, where Transition Day — the ceremonial progression of third grade Sickles School students to the fourth grade at Knollwood School — is a highly anticipated and celebrated event.
This year’s Transition Day was held on June 3 and began, as always, at 12:30. The bright red trolley was a new addition to this year’s festivities, but many aspects of the tradition — such as the participation of eighth grade Knollwood School Peer Leaders — have remained the same for many years.
In addition to celebrating the progression of the Sickles third graders, Transition Day also highlights the fact that a majority of Fair Haven students bicycle to school. This makes the district a standout in the state of New Jersey.
Upon arriving at Knollwood School, located on Hance Avenue in Fair Haven less than a mile from Sickles School, the incoming fourth grade students attended a brief assembly hosted by Principal Kevin Davis. After the assembly, they were given a tour of the school they will begin attending in September 2014 by eighth grade Peer Leaders.
“Transition Day is a wonderful experience for our parents, our students, and our staff,” said Fair Haven Superintendent of Schools Nelson Ribon. “The excitement and energy it brings to our community is contagious — it’s a special day on my calendar each year.”
