FIRST IN A SERIES…
Grandparents: Our Unsung Heroes
As I look back on my first few months as superintendent, I am so thankful for the warm welcome I’ve received from our community. Stepping into the new role of superintendent has been an exciting journey. Even though I already lived in the county and worked in the school system, these past 100 days have given me even more opportunities to get to know our schools, staff, and students. Today, I’m thrilled to share my first article, part of a new bi-weekly series where I’ll discuss the wonderful things happening in our schools and the lives of our students.
One of the most heartwarming aspects of this experience have been conversations with people throughout Lawrence County, and not a week has gone by without meeting someone who proudly tells me their grandchild attends one of our schools. Today, I want to take a moment to celebrate the invaluable role of grandparents.
If you are a grandparent–your love, wisdom, and support make a huge difference in the lives of your grandchildren. Many of you are also stepping into primary caregiving roles, providing stability, nurturing, and guidance. Your dedication enriches your grandchildren’s lives beyond words.
Tips for Grandparents to Help Their Grandchildren in School:
As a grandparent here are some practical ways you can help your grandchildren get ready for school, or succeed academically and socially once they begin:
- Encourage Reading: Foster a love for reading by sharing books with your grandchildren, well before they start school. Visit the library together, or read together at home. All children in Lawrence County (ages birth until age 5) can also receive a free book each month through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at imaginationlibrary.com.
- Model Lifelong Learning: Show your grandchildren that learning also takes place outside of school, and regardless of what age you are. Share your own hobbies, or the things you like to learn about with them.
- Stay Engaged: Once they begin school, regularly ask your grandchildren about their school day. Show interest in their classes, teachers, and friends. This shows them you think school is important, and helps them feel more confident about it.
- Get Involved: Participate in school events, or volunteer opportunities. Going to sporting events or school plays is great, but those open house nights have value too. Your presence shows your grandchildren you think learning is important.
A Huge Thank You!
The wisdom and experience that grandparents bring to the table can’t be measured. They have a wealth of experiences, skills, and stories that enrich the lives of their grandchildren and their learning. Whether it’s reading to or playing with their grandbabies, telling stories from when they were children, or teaching their grandchildren how to cook or garden, grandparents are critical teachers in the lives of their grandchildren.
In our district, we recognize the importance of grandparents in the lives of our students. Events, like those we had in September for Grandparents Day, are just a small way to say a big Thank You to all of the grandparents in our Lawrence County School Family. We appreciate you and the trust you place in our school system to educate the future of Lawrence County, your grandchildren.
Katie H. Webb
Lawrence County Superintendent
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