By Mike DeNardo

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — An ice cream truck was roaming Northeast Philadelphia today, handing out free treats while reminding parents and kids that schools starts in a week.

Free ice cream is sure to attract kids’ attention, so a dozen principals in Northeast Philadelphia rented an ice cream truck that went to schools,  recreation centers, and shopping centers.

Kids got free treats, and parents got flyers with back-to-school information.

“Do you want this one?  Or an ice cream sandwich?”  Karen Howell-Toomer, principal of Rhawnhurst Elementary School, asked one eager child.

“We’re out here to make the community aware that school opens next Friday — it’s a half a day — and what our uniform colors are, and that the students should have completed their summer homework assignments,” said Joe Bahm, principal of Solis-Cohen Elementary School.

Northeast High School assistant principal Rob Caroselli says it’s one example of the ways the district’s new “Principal Learning Teams” are thinking outside the box to get parents and the community involved in school.