Students at Weller Road Elementary (Silver Spring/Wheaton-Glenmont) are getting ready for the new school year with a new look in addition to packing their backpacks and school supplies. On Monday, August 25th from 1:30 to 4 p.m., the school will host its Back to School Free Cuts event, which is now a yearly tradition that offers free haircuts to local kids and students.Gary Lyst, a physical education teacher at Weller Road Elementary with 19 years of experience, was the driving force behind the project. Before switching to physical education, Lyst taught kindergarten and pre-kindergarten for 15 years. She has always looked for methods to help pupils outside of the classroom. Lyst and barbers Dennis Gutierrez and Rigo from Cut Culture offered their time and provided a few free haircuts at the school’s annual carnival, which is where the event got its start. Although the concept was straightforward, its impact was evident right away.
Catherine Carpela-Schulman, Weller Road’s Community School Liaison, provided invaluable assistance in turning the free haircuts into a special event that was held in conjunction with the school’s Open House for families. Having worked on Weller Road for 16 years, Carpela-Schulman has played a key role in expanding the project. Lyst reflected on the evolution of the event and stated that the turnout has increased every year. Eight stylists and barbers, including those who trimmed females’ hair, were accepted last year.
The success of the event is evidence of the local community’s generosity. Special recognition was given to Rigo and Toren of Cut Culture in Rockville, who have regularly turned up with their staff to make sure youngsters feel confident and presentable at the start of the school year. A fresh set of gifted volunteers, including Lyst’s mother, Rosa Brandon, Grazia Fiorentino, Maggie Kassimis, Abby Morganstein, and Cheryl Duelley, participated in this year’s event.
In addition to the free haircuts, Lyst and Carpela-Schulman have supported additional community-building initiatives, such a flag football program that takes place after school. These initiatives highlight their common goal of creating a nurturing atmosphere outside of the classroom. The young kids have been profoundly impacted by the simple act of giving them a haircut. Following each haircut, the children’s and their parents’ smiles demonstrate the instant increase in self-esteem and confidence. According to Lyst, this emotion is what motivates the occasion.
Lyst is hopeful that the initiative will grow beyond Weller Road Elementary in the future. “I want to take this initiative beyond Weller Road ES and encourage schools throughout MCPS to participate in making these positive experiences for students and families,” he stated. The Weller Road Elementary Back to School Free Cuts event is a brilliant illustration of how a straightforward concept driven by a love of community and a commitment to the welfare of students can have a long-lasting impact.
