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Grandparents Night a bonding experience at McNeal Elementary


  • By Liz Ramos
  • | 8:00 a.m. September 7, 2024
Kim Lane travels from Illinois to be with his granddaughter fifth grader Sadie Nowakowski during Grandparents Night. "It's exciting as long as she's here," Lane says.
Kim Lane travels from Illinois to be with his granddaughter fifth grader Sadie Nowakowski during Grandparents Night. "It's exciting as long as she's here," Lane says.
Photo by Liz Ramos
  • East County
  • Schools
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Eleanor Rea, a Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School kindergartner, jumped out of her seat when she saw the school's wildcat mascot come into the cafeteria. 

She and her grandmother Jessica Williams were sure to get a photo with the mascot to add another memory to their first Grandparents Night Sept. 6 at the school.

Williams said Grandparents Night was amazing, and she's proud to see what her granddaughter has been doing at school. 

"There's a great sense of community here," Williams said. 

Besides getting a photo with the mascot, Williams and Rea, along with dozens of other students and their grandparents, ate dinner, browsed a book fair and completed a craft together. 

The book fair is abuzz as students and their grandparents shop for their next favorite reads.
The book fair is abuzz as students and their grandparents shop for their next favorite reads.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Third grader Sean Ruffing and his grandmother Linda Maughan browse the book fair.
Third grader Sean Ruffing and his grandmother Linda Maughan browse the book fair. "I like that they have it here in the library. It's bigger and more open. They do a great job," Maughan says of the fair.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Parents Hannah O'Reilly and Amanda Hasenzahl are ready to sell school merchandise to boost school spirit. O'Reilly dresses as an astronaut to match the space theme of the book fair.
Parents Hannah O'Reilly and Amanda Hasenzahl are ready to sell school merchandise to boost school spirit. O'Reilly dresses as an astronaut to match the space theme of the book fair.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Fifth grader Sullivan Ford spends time looking at the books available with his grandmother Julie Caulk. Ford says his favorite part of Grandparents Night is getting
Fifth grader Sullivan Ford spends time looking at the books available with his grandmother Julie Caulk. Ford says his favorite part of Grandparents Night is getting "cool books" and spending time with his grandparents.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Fifth grader Grayson Figueroa peruses the state award winning books with his grandmother Cheryl McGrew.
Fifth grader Grayson Figueroa peruses the state award winning books with his grandmother Cheryl McGrew.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Sherri Carteaux spends time coloring with her granddaughter Olivia Taveras, a kindergartner.
Sherri Carteaux spends time coloring with her granddaughter Olivia Taveras, a kindergartner.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Mike Doyle works on a craft with his grandson Charlie Doyle, a first grader, and his wife, Lynne Doyle. Before the craft, the Doyles browsed the books available at the book fair, which Mike Doyle says was great.
Mike Doyle works on a craft with his grandson Charlie Doyle, a first grader, and his wife, Lynne Doyle. Before the craft, the Doyles browsed the books available at the book fair, which Mike Doyle says was great.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Kim Lane travels from Illinois to be with his granddaughter fifth grader Sadie Nowakowski during Grandparents Night.
Kim Lane travels from Illinois to be with his granddaughter fifth grader Sadie Nowakowski during Grandparents Night. "It's exciting as long as she's here," Lane says.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Becky Woodruff and her husband, Bob Woodruff, get a picture-perfect moment with their granddaughters third grader Holly Ryan, first grader Amelia Ryan and fourth grader Cassandra Ryan.
Becky Woodruff and her husband, Bob Woodruff, get a picture-perfect moment with their granddaughters third grader Holly Ryan, first grader Amelia Ryan and fourth grader Cassandra Ryan.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Kate Knapp and her grandson Michael Knapp, a first grader, show off the frame they made. Michael Knapp says it's fantastic spending time with his grandmother.
Kate Knapp and her grandson Michael Knapp, a first grader, show off the frame they made. Michael Knapp says it's fantastic spending time with his grandmother.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School's mascot is ready to celebrate Grandparents Night with students and their grandparents. He takes photos with them, dances and gives them fist bumps and high fives.
Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School's mascot is ready to celebrate Grandparents Night with students and their grandparents. He takes photos with them, dances and gives them fist bumps and high fives.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School's mascot meets Jessica Williams and her granddaughter Eleanor Rea, a kindergartner.
Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School's mascot meets Jessica Williams and her granddaughter Eleanor Rea, a kindergartner.
Photo by Liz Ramos

 

author

Liz Ramos

Managing Editor Liz Ramos previously covered education and community for the East County Observer. Before moving to Florida, Liz was an education reporter for the Lynchburg News & Advance in Virginia for two years after graduating from the Missouri School of Journalism.

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