Grandparents Day!
A truly unforgettable event, a time to share school with grandparents and everyone loves it!
Also a minimum day, kids are out at 12:20pm
For over 40 years, Durham Elementary School has celebrated Grandparents Day and we know why. Each child is encouraged to invite any grandparents or special people to their school to show off their year's achievements. Grandparents will enjoy breakfast, visit classrooms and participate in activities with students as well as view incredible performances. Your kids will be delighted and grandparents enamoured.
Who can attend this event? This event is for Grandparents or a special person, not for parents (unless you’re volunteering). Enjoy your morning to yourself!
How many Grandparents can one student have attend? As many as they’d like! Just register them either before the event or on the day.
What if a Grandparent has more than one grandchild at the school? Not a problem, they will have plenty of time to see all the performances, visit each classroom and participate in activities with each student.
How will Grandparents know what to do? Easy! They’ll start by checking in that morning at the front of the school where they will receive their visitor pass(es) and a program with the schedule of events and a campus map. Plus there’ll be volunteers available to help them.
Where do the Grandparents park? We won’t lie, it’s going to be busy with approx. 750 people attending. So, if you can carpool please do. The Durham High School lot will be reserved for Grandparent/guest parking ONLY - high schoolers will park on the grass near the softball field. Prepare Grandparents for lots of walking and standing so to wear comfortable shoes.
My Grandparent has mobility issues, are there arrangements for them? Those with mobility issues can be dropped off in the DES circle and limited accessible parking will be available. If they require a wheelchair or mobility aid they are welcome to bring them and accommodations will be provided.
What should attendees wear? Comfortable clothing and shoes! This event is partially outside so they should dress for the weather. If it rains we will endeavor to provide shelter but rain jackets are incredibly helpful, it tends to get quite crowded so umbrellas are not ideal?
How does the day work? Grandparents will arrive at the front of the school and check in with our volunteers. They will then move through to the breakfast area and enjoy a complimentary breakfast including coffee (this breakfast is for Grandparents only). There will be a welcome ceremony for all Grandparents before they are released to continue to enjoy breakfast and wait for grade performances and classroom activities. They will receive a program at the beginning of the day outlining when and where these activities are. As soon as students and Grandparents feel they have taken advantage of all the activities, they are welcome to leave. You MUST have signed permission for your child to leave with a Grandparent.
What if my child does not have a Grandparent available to attend? This is a very common question, and we are more than happy to allocate a volunteer Grandparent (we have a wonderful group of volunteers every year!) or they are welcome to invite a special person to attend in place of their Grandparents.
We did not pre-register, can we do it on the day? Of course you can! Have them look for the table for the day of registration and we’ll get them all signed up. It is vital that they register as we need to know who is on campus during that day for security purposes.
What if my Grandparent cannot attend at the last minute? Again, this is very common as illnesses arrive quickly and plans change. Not a problem! Have your child check in with their teacher or the office ASAP and we will have a volunteer allocated to them. Alternatively they can have a special person attend in their place but they MUST register so we know who is on campus during that day for security purposes.
What if it rains? If it rains we will endeavor to provide shelter but rain jackets are incredibly helpful, it tends to get quite crowded so umbrellas are not ideal.
This is not a fundraising event. Our cookie dough fundraiser helps pay for this event as well as the ticket price. The ticket price is to cover the costs only. We do ask for donations as needed as this event is extensive and we may need assistance to cover costs.