Grandparents' Day bridges generations

Mary Hierholzer • September 21, 2009

The 18th annual Grandparents’ Day encourages students to invite their grandparents for a glimpse into school life, as well as receiving a special lunch. Due to conflicts with the yearly 6th grade camp, the original date for Grandparents’ Day has been postponed to Oct. 2.

For this event, guests arrive and receive their grandchildren’s schedules. Once in class, they “shadow” the student until lunch, following the same daily schedule. Then the home economics class will serve a meal of lasagna, salad, garlic bread and homemade cookies.

Superintendent Debbie Siebert views this day as a positive experience for both students and grandparents to remember.

“It is the best opportunity for grandparents to see what happens for their grandchild on a daily basis ‘up close and personal,'” Siebert said. “It is a day that is always filled with energy and excitement as the students look forward to having their grandparents as guests in their world.”

Siebert finds the event enriching as she has the chance to meet visitors and learn more about them, she said.

“It is the one time each year I have the opportunity to personally chat with each grandparent as they arrive in the courtyard to receive their grandchild’s class schedule,” Siebert said. “It is fun to recognize grandparents from knowing the student; either the personality, physical appearance or gracious demeanor shines through.”

Grandparents’ Day not only focuses on students’ relatives, but also allows for family ties. Senior Nick Methgen anticipates the day and opportunity to spend time with his grandparents, who attend the day consistently.

“I feel that Grandparents’ Day is a great bonding time for students and grandparents,” Methgen said. “My grandparents come to the event almost every year and it’s been a great experience every year. It gives a chance for grandparents to share a bit of their grandchild’s daily school life. I always enjoy the small, but fun, times I get to share with my grandparents every year and always look forward to it.”

Although Bettie Ward, grandparent of juniors Kory and Kasey Thompson and sophomore Brandi Thomson, is not able to attend Grandparents’ Day this year, she enjoyed the event in past years.

“I have been to Grandparents’ Day every year for my grandchildren,” Ward said. “It is very nice and well planned out. I liked seeing the interaction between teachers and students; it is overall very informative.”

Altogether, the day presents opportunities for memories in an everyday environment.

“I love to watch the childrens’ faces when their grandma or grandpa shares what school was like when they were a child,” Siebert said. “I love to hear the special stories only grandparents share. Grandchildren hold a precious place in their hearts.”