One of the most anticipated events at Westwind Elementary is the annual tradition of inviting students’ grandparents to spend a morning on campus. Grandparents Day attracts a large crowd from Westwind families, with some grandparents traveling from other states or even countries to be part of the celebration.
Angela Howard, Westwind Media Specialist, explained that having grandparents visit the school is a meaningful and inspiring experience for everyone.
“We recognize the vital role that grandparents play in a child’s life,” said Howard. “By inviting grandparents to share the morning with us, we create a space where they feel valued and engaged in their grandchild’s school community and the students feel valued by having their grandparents spend time with them at school.”
The day kicked off with students and their grandparents bonding over delicious donuts and juice. Each table was set with a stack of questions for grandparents to ask their grandchildren, as well as a stack for grandchildren to ask their grandparents. These questions encouraged meaningful conversations, allowing both generations to learn more about each other.
“It’s absolutely beautiful to look over a cafeteria full of grandparents spending time with their precious grandchildren, watching them laugh and enjoy one another’s company,” said Howard.
Following this quality time together, they visited the Book Fair, where grandparents helped nurture a love for reading by choosing books to enjoy together at home. Grandparents play a vital role in encouraging literacy and a love for learning in their students.
The students loved sharing their daily school life with their grandparents, creating cherished memories and learning more about their family’s history. This annual event continues to connect generations, giving students a deeper appreciation for their grandparents.
For the grandparents, it’s a wonderful bonding opportunity to spend quality time with their grandchild. It’s also a great chance for them to meet teachers, friends of their grandchildren, and feel more connected to the school community.
Howard emphasized the importance of strengthening the bond between grandparents and students, as well as fostering connections within the school community.
“Grandparents bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and skills that enrich students’ lives and offer additional support,” said Howard. “Their presence fosters a strong sense of community and bring warmth and a unique energy to Westwind.”
Westwind is incredibly grateful for their PTA, and local sponsors Gene Messer Chevrolet and Balfour, for making Donuts with Grandparents possible. They provided the tasty donuts and beverages, set up the cafeteria, served the attendees, and helped with cleanup afterward.
The success of Donuts with Grandparents not only highlights the strong connection between families and Westwind Elementary but also reinforces the school’s commitment to fostering a sense of community. With the continued support of parents, local sponsors, and the PTA, this cherished tradition is sure to remain a highlight of the school year for years to come.