Feature Stories

Students and Families Connect at Groveland Fall Festival

Groveland Elementary School recently hosted the school’s annual Fall Festival. The event, which is a celebration for families hosted by the Groveland PTO, was an exciting evening of gratitude, fun and community. Featured activities included carnival games, balloon artists, face painting and more. Additionally, this year, Groveland fifth grader Mira Babal played a special role as the event’s in-house DJ. 

Babal started DJing last year and has grown to love the creative musical outlet. Having DJed at several events in the past, she received a special invitation from the Groveland PTO to take charge of the music at the Fall Festival this year. 

“DJing is so fun,” she shared. “I like to see people having a good time while I play for them, and I enjoy entertaining them.”

Babal is excited to continue DJing in middle school and beyond. “I've performed many times as a solo artist and with my band,” she said. “I feel the nature of my performance may shift but DJing will definitely be on the top.”

Many students approached Babal at the Fall Festival with song requests and words of encouragement. She appreciated their support and enjoyed seeing them dance along to the music. 

“There was a lot of learning, as usual,” she said. “I learned to handle frequent song requests while being able to mix them simultaneously. My song mix was primarily in English for kids, but at Groveland, I also played some fun Spanish songs.” Her DJing helped create an exciting and upbeat atmosphere throughout the evening. 

PTO member and festival organizer Sofia Beabout expressed gratitude to Groveland students and families for participating in the evening. “Thanks to the help of our amazing Groveland community members who volunteer, we had an amazing event that everyone enjoyed.”

Girls smiling

In this Section


Read More

Class of 2024 Gives Back to the Community through Seniors Serve

Minnetonka High School students filled more than 780 volunteer slots at more than 100 sites, with many students signing up for multiple slots. Opportunities to give back to the Minnetonka community included leading field day activities at the elementary schools, helping wash fire trucks at the Minnetonka Fire Department, and carrying out daily tasks at the Gale Woods Farm.

Celebrating School Nurses 2024

Wednesday, May 8 is National School Nurse Day! School nurses play an important role in making our schools safe and healthy places for students. Thank you, nurses!