Before the school bell rang, signaling the end of the first day of school, Liberty Elementary volunteers were slicing up about 14 watermelons. 

About 240 students, who had been buzzing with excitement for the first day to begin, were now just as thrilled for it to wrap up—and to get their hands on a slice or two of juicy watermelon.

“We’ve been doing the Watermelon Welcome for nine years now,” said PTA treasurer and past-president Amy Roberts. “It started when there was a solar eclipse on the first day of school, so the kids watched it and had watermelon. Since then, it has become a fun tradition.” 

Roberts remembers that first year; she was there enjoying the eclipse and watermelon alongside her son, who is now in eighth grade.

“Our PTA usually finds watermelon donations. It’s something simple to do and the kids all love it,” she said. 

Looking ahead, the PTA has several events planned, including a family carnival and fall festival, Red and White Ribbon weeks, a turkey trot, a holiday gift shop, plus the science fair, spelling bee, Reflections program and more.