February 3, 2016 at 4:17 p.m.
A grand meal: Pelican Elementary students enjoy lunch with their grandparents
A grand meal: Pelican Elementary students enjoy lunch with their grandparents
By Kayla Thomason-
Each grade level has been designated a day to have their grandparents eat lunch with them and tour the school. The school has dubbed the program "Grandparents Warm Our Hearts" week and the theme is "graduates past and future."
Tuesday was the second-grade class's turn to welcome their relatives to their school. The youngsters showed their grandparents around and helped them navigate the lunch line, where they were served syrupy pancakes, ham and vegetables.
"Yesterday was third grade and we had the gym full and then today we had to set up extra tables for second grade and I'm thinking with the trend, as the grades get younger, there will be more and more people here," said Renee Miszewski, a paraprofessional who works with special needs students.
In addition to the meals and a tour, the grandparents could view photos of teachers who graduated from the School District of Rhinelander. Miszewski said 30 percent of the staff at Pelican Elementary attended school in the district.
There was also a photo booth available for children and grandparents to take photos together as well as a little scavenger hunt that illustrated what the school has to offer.
The grandparents and children enjoyed the special time together.
"I think it's a great idea to bring the grandparents and children together and it just kind of creates a tighter-knit family, I think," said Carrie Sonsthagen, Aiden Brown's grandmother.
Sonsthagen has toured the school before, but Aiden was still excited to show his family around.
"He's been very excited, he's excited any time his grandparents are around," his grandmother said.
Mike Kasmarek, Aiden's grandfather, appreciated the special invitation.
"I love it, it's great, it's really nice to see all these grandparents here," Kasmarek said, adding that he thinks it's good to for parents and grandparents to get a sense of what their children are doing in school.
Aiden's other grandmother, Bonnie Kasmarek, also enjoyed spending some time with her grandson during the school day.
"I love it," she said. "We love spending time with our grandkids so it's always fun."
The children were all smiles throughout the meal.
"It's fun, really fun," said Aiden. "I just love grandparents lunch."
Raiden McGeshick said he was excited to "show my grandma my school."
He said he hopes the school will have more special days for grandparents.
Sheila Smith, Raiden's grandmother, shared in his enjoyment of the afternoon.
"I thought it was very nice," she said. "It's good to see the kids in their element and what they do every day."
This wasn't the first time she has had lunch at the school or toured the building. Earlier this week, she spent an afternoon with Raiden's older brother, Derrick, a third-grader.
Smith also liked the theme.
"I think it's a very special thing to do - the past and future graduates of Rhinelander - I think it's a very innovative idea," she said.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
Comments:
You must login to comment.