Inside Education and Health Sciences

By Jessica Proud

The Bombeck Family Learning Center recently celebrated its first Erma Bombeck Spirit Week to celebrate the life and legacy of Erma Bombeck, the humorist and writer, and advocate for family and community. Fun and meaningful activities were organized to celebrate Erma’s wit, wisdom and love for family, and to encourage children and families to be kind, creative and connected. 

Each day of Spirit Week, the community came together for activities that celebrated Erma's core values through a different theme. Here’s a look at the highlights of this inaugural celebration: 

Monday: Community and Kindness Day 

The week began with the focus on kindness. At the center, the children were invited to write “leaves” on a Kindness Tree for every act of kindness they did during the day. A child helped a friend, and the children shared a smile; thus, the center was full of positive energy. Families were also encouraged to engage in random acts of kindness at home or in the community, thus embracing the spirit of the day. The center was colorful and many people wore bright colors and hearts to show that kindness is powerful. 

Tuesday: Creative Writing and Storytelling Day 

On Tuesday, we celebrated her love for writing by making it Writing and Storytelling Day. Volunteers came in to read books aloud, and children also had the chance to write their own stories and share them with their friends and teachers. It was a day of imagination, laughter and inspiration as children discovered the fun of storytelling. Families participated by reading a favorite story together at home. Some children and teachers even came in costumes of their favorite book characters or humorous outfits that made the day full of laughter.

Wednesday: Silly Hat, Hair, or Sock Day 

On Wednesday, everyone’s funny side came out! The center was a boom of creativity as children, teachers and families wore the most outrageous hats, hair and socks. We held a Silly Parade and the children showed off their outrageous and eccentric accessories to the crowd. It was a fun event with a lot of laughter and the celebration of individuality. Some parents helped their children create the perfect ‘silly’ look and it was clear that laughter is indeed a great accessory. 

Thursday: Family Fun Day 

On Thursday, it was all about family, traditions and relationships. Children and families contributed to our Family Photo Wall, which became a beautiful display of memories and connections. The wall was covered with photos of families celebrating milestones, traditions, and joyous moments together. Families also shared their favorite family traditions and recipes, making the atmosphere warm and cohesive. It was a reminder of the place of family in our lives and the value of making memories together. 

Friday: Pajama Day and the Celebration of Bombeck’s Birthday

The last day of Spirit Week was the most anticipated one – Pajama Day and the celebration of Erma Bombeck’s birthday! Children and staff came in their cozy pajamas to celebrate the actual birthday of Erma Bombeck: February 21st. The center celebrated with a party, including music, decorations,and the beginning of a special Bombeck Family Recipe Book, which will feature contributions from families sharing their favorite recipes. We’re excited to include family recipes that have been passed down through generations or are cherished from their cultures. This book is a way for families to share beloved dishes from their homes with our “school family,” creating a unique opportunity for the entire Bombeck community to enjoy the diverse flavors, stories, and traditions that make us who we are. We look forward to adding even more delicious family recipes as this annual tradition continues! 

A Week to Remember 

Erma Bombeck’s Spirit Week at the Bombeck Family Learning Center was more than just a fun event — it was a celebration of kindness, creativity, humor, and it embodied the importance of family. The week’s activities not only honored Erma’s legacy but also brought the entire community together in a way that truly reflected her beliefs and values. It was a time for families to connect, children to express themselves, and everyone to embrace the joy that comes from simple acts of kindness and laughter. 

A special thank you goes out to all the families, staff, and community members who contributed to the success of this event. The first Erma Bombeck Spirit Week proved to be a wonderful way to honor the life of this incredible woman while establishing new traditions for this generation that will continue for years to come. The Bombeck Family Learning Center looks forward to sharing the event details with the Bombeck family and hosting this event annually, creating lasting memories and celebrating the values that Erma Bombeck held dear. 

In the spirit of Erma Bombeck, the center will continue to foster kindness, creativity, and family connections each and every day.