Barnes’ Spring Fling a blooming success

The Rodrigueses were among the many families that took advantage of a photography booth at the Spring Fling on Friday.

Sharon Cabral, the principal at Barnes, is joined by Assistant School Superintendent Dr. Arthur Petrosinelli in front of the gift baskets that were among 24 raffle prizes.

Aaliyah Gervais dons a top hat and is joined by her father Shane and mother Nicole.

Kyle D’Alessandro gets a hug from his mom Dawn at the Spring Fling Family Dance.

Physical Education teacher Mark Capaldi provided music to the delight of students Logan Mello, Jimmy Poole and Milana and Maylin McAteer.

Posted Thursday, May 24, 2012 1:00 pm

Tami Messier, who serves as treasurer of the Sarah Dyer Barnes School PTO, and her colleagues were worried that the Johnston elementary school’s first-ever Spring Fling Family dance wouldn’t get a good turnout.

Their worries were put to rest, as more than 200 people turned out Friday to the Kelley-Gazzero VFW Post on Plainfield Pike for a night of dancing and family fun.

“The children had a blast dancing to music provided by our very own physical education teacher/DJ Mark Capaldi. We raffled off 24 baskets. Each grade level was given a specific theme of items to donate, ranging from tools to exercise equipment to grilling items,” Messier said, adding that the event was attended by the assistant superintendent, mayor, School Committee members and the principal and her family.

Funds generated from the dance will go toward future field trips. Valerie Jacavone, the school nurse, chaired the Dance Committee. Barnes alumni Tayla Martins of Glitzy Goodies and Melissa DiGregorio of Sweet & Tasty Pastry also donated their specialties.