A great experience for all

An idea during a leadership meeting blossomed into an event that was meaningful for all involved. Kids from Monroe Elementary recently visited The Gathering Place of Monroe to interact with adults through games and informational presentations, the first time in a series of visits by the students.

“The idea came from our Leader in Me Activities Team,” Monroe Elementary Principal Mandy Shannon said. “One of our goals this year was to be more involved with the community so we thought The Gathering Place would be a great place to do this.”

Members from team finalized a date and time for the kids to go to the community center once a month, alternating grades each time. The first students to participate were the oldest at the school, second graders. They had stories read to them by the adults who stopped by for the visit along with playing a variety of games.

“It’s beneficial for kids to have positive experiences with adults in the community who are potential role models for our students,” Shannon said. “These types of events are important so students see that we are partners with the community so we can grow successfully together.”

With a successful first visit, the school plans on having first graders stop in next month and kindergartners will be there in January. The cycle will start over with second graders back in February, first grade in April and kindergartners in May.

“I think this is a great experience for both our students and members of the community,” Shannon said. “Everyone seems to enjoy it.”