Boardman students invite someone special to school


By Jordyn Grzelewski

jgrzelewski@vindy.com

BOARDMAN

As a working mom, Heather Newman doesn’t get to attend many of her kids’ school functions.

That’s why she was especially happy to be her son’s special person Wednesday at Robinwood Lane Elementary’s KISS – “Kids Invite Someone Special” – Day.

The annual tradition is a chance for family members, or another special person in a student’s life, to see what their student is up to during the school day.

“It’s about trying to bring the community into the schools,” Principal Don Robinson said. “The kids get so excited when they get to bring their special friend to school.”

Heather accompanied son Britton to his second-grade class, and Heather’s mother checked out first-grader Danika’s classroom.

“It’s awesome,” Heather said of the event. Working as a fast-food restaurant manager, Heather’s work schedule often prevents her from getting involved in her kids’ school, she said.

“I miss a lot of school events, so this is special to me,” she said. “It means a lot to be able to come, because I work a lot of hours.”

Second-grade student Cooper Bartholomew asked grandfather Joe Novosel to be his special someone, continuing a tradition for the two.

Cooper said he asks his grandfather to come every year, and Joe always enjoys the visit.

“It’s a lot of fun,” he said. “I try to encourage him so that he is going to be an outstanding citizen and leader someday.”

Students showed their special someones what they’ve been working on in class, with one group reciting facts that they’ve learned about animals.

Also for KISS Day, students took turns by grade level performing the numbers they’ve learned in music class.

In the audience, phones captured photos and videos of the performance as parents, grandparents, stepparents, aunts and uncles, and other special someones smiled proudly.