Gurney Elementary School opened its doors to a new event this fall with the inaugural “Gurney Loves Grandparents” event...
Gurney Loves Grandparents
Gurney Elementary School opened its doors to a new event this fall with the inaugural “Gurney Loves Grandparents” event. Designed to celebrate the important role grandparents and special people play in children’s lives, the gathering gave students and their loved ones a chance to connect, learn and share a joyful moment together at school.
Over water and goldfish crackers, students and their guests filled the room with conversation and laughter. Children shared a poem honoring the occasion and led their grandparents in a “Turn and Talk,” a strategy used in Gurney’s English language arts classes to encourage discussion and reflection on literature. The simple activity gave grandparents a glimpse into daily classroom practices, while giving students the joy of sharing and connecting with their loved ones.
Principal Patrick Carpenter reflected on the importance of the event, saying “This was a truly special day. Seeing our students connect with their grandparents and special people inside their school environment reinforces just how important those relationships and feelings of belonging are for all. We are so grateful for the community connections this event created.”
The events closed with smiles, hugs, and a shared sense of pride in the Gurney community. By blending family connections with classroom experiences, “Gurney Loves Grandparents” not only celebrated relationships but also showcased the school’s commitment to creating meaningful moments of learning and belonging.
Digital Citizenship and Online Safety
Sixth-graders are building smart digital habits through ongoing lessons and conversations designed to prepare them for today’s technology landscape.
With instructional technology coach Molly Klodor and their English language arts teachers, students explored how artificial intelligence (AI) works, discussed its limitations, and collaborated to create a class charter for responsible AI use. The lessons helped students understand both the potential and the boundaries of this emerging technology in their academic work.
In separate sessions with school counselor Annie Schluep, students discussed how to chat safely online – with permission – by recognizing private information, understanding circles of trust, and learning strategies to respond when conversations feel uncomfortable. These practical skills empower students to navigate digital communication with confidence and caution.
“Digital citizenship is just as important as any other subject we teach,” said Principal Curtis Howell. “These lessons give our students the tools they need to make smart, safe choices online.”
Families can keep the conversation going at home with questions like: How do you know if it’s okay to use AI for an assignment? Who are your trusted adults if something online makes you feel unsafe?
The comprehensive approach ensures students develop the critical thinking skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
