At Crestview Elementary, the first-grade classes want to honor and celebrate their grandparents, great-grandparents, and some grandparent-age friends or relatives that are important in their lives. They host an annual tea party for these honored guests as close to the national holiday, Grandparents Day, which is the second Sunday in September.  

The holiday is not widely observed, but the Crestview students don’t want to overlook it. It is always highly anticipated by students and the “grands,” as well. 

“Frenship has always loved families,” said Saundra Wimberley, first grade teacher at Crestview. “And grandparents are so special to kids. This is such a great way to show them we love them, honor them, and help them see what a wonderful school experience their kiddoes are getting at Crestview.” 

The students entertain the grandparent visitors with a few songs, rhymes and poems, play games like Grandparent Bingo or Draw-a-Grandma, and have volunteer grandparents read a book. They present paper flowers or other gifts they’ve made for the older folks. 

They enjoy a few tasty treats and sitting with their grandparents, as well as taking a quick picture at the photobooth opportunity. Smiles all around! 

The Crestview classes are thankful for a few volunteer grandparents who stepped in for some of their students whose grandparents were far away or couldn’t come. All the students had a GRAND time with these older folks visiting their class.  

The Grandparent Tea has been continuously successful and valuable because it allows the grandparents to be involved in the lives of their students. School is a bonding place, where grandparents can share stories of their own youth and school days, and then be able to discuss with their grandchildren about Crestview – the place, new friends from this year, their surroundings, events, and the whole wonderful experience of elementary school. 

“They love being in our bright, happy classrooms where their babies learn and thrive,” said Wimberley. “It helps to maintain our community ties and spirit by engaging the older folks in the children's lives.” 

Students and grandparents alike were smiling from ear to ear through the whole event!