Visitors to Plaza Middle School were welcomed with smiles and lots of fun at the third annual Plaza Palooza.

The April 20 event focused on “the three F’s,” said organizer Kelly Kefauver, who teaches health and physical education at the school. “Fun, free and family.”

“Although the event is held at Plaza Middle School, it doesn’t stop there,” Kefauver said. The collaborative effort between clubs, organizations and individuals representing Brookwood Elementary, Lynnhaven Elementary and Green Run High School helped showcase the feeder program within the school community, she explained.

Outside activities included bubble-blowing, drawing with chalk and taking an up-close look at vehicles, including a fire truck.

Inside, the commons, cafeteria and gymnasium tables were packed with school clubs and lots of community resources and organizations. A DJ played upbeat tunes that echoed through the building.

Plaza Middle School Taylor Swift Fan Club member Natalie McClennan helped visitors make friendship bracelets.

“I joined the club because I’m a fan and I like to help charities,” the seventh grader said. The group of about a dozen meets twice a month. They plan to make more bracelets to sell at school to benefit Connect With a Wish, a local nonprofit organization that benefits children in foster care.

Nearby, the school’s Hydroponics Club showed off a couple of hydroponic towers where some herbs and vegetables were growing, including basil and lettuce. They offered guests the chance to plant “seeds of kindness” in cups to take home.

Seventh grader Victoria Hensman said she enjoys being in the club and learning about how to grow plants using rocks, water and nutrients.

Brookwood Elementary SCA members brought vegetable shortening, bird seed and pinecones for bird feeder-making. The hair braiding area was very popular, too.

Also on hand were the Spanish, coding and yoga clubs.

Special Olympics, Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation, Girl Scouts and Rosemont Boys & Girls Club promoted events, activities, camps and programs.

Plaza Middle health and physical education teacher Michael Puatu volunteered at the table focused on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, a schoolwide approach to promoting positive, safe learning environments for students.

Lots of children wrote positive messages on rocks that will be placed in front of the school. “This promotes a good sense of community,” Puatu said.

There was more kindness going on with Plaza’s Operation Smile Club.

Eighth grader Axl Clark represented the club. Visitors wrote kind messages on cards and sticky notes to go in “smile bags” given to patients before cleft palate and lip surgery. Axl said he has learned a lot about the organization’s mission to help others.

At the State Farm Insurance table, Lynnhaven Elementary third grader Laila Green sat patiently while artist Jennifer Wiffen drew her caricature. Her mother Stacie Modlin smiled. The event had something for everyone, she said. Laila has a younger sister, and an older brother who attends Plaza Middle.

“I think it’s great and interactive for the kids,” Modlin said. “There is free stuff and ways for them to get involved.”

Plaza Middle School counselor Samiya Sanderson said the Plaza Palooza connects families and schools.  “We want them to know we’re here,” she said.  “It’s a community event, and it’s about being a village for the children.”