CLARKSVILLE — It was standing-room only in the first-grade classrooms at Clinton-Massie Elementary School recently as more than 160 grandparents took their seats in the classrooms where their grandchildren are learning to read and write and explore new opportunities.
First-grade students presented and participated in a variety of activities that both honored and celebrated their grandparents. There were handmade cards for grandparents and keepsake memories shared with grandchildren.
There was the singing of songs with hand motions and sounds that presented an updated and phonetic version of the ABCs and songs that taught students the days of the week and months of the year.
Stories were read about “My School Clinton-Massie” showing grandparents what students do while at school and how “Someday is Not a Day of the Week” but a book by Denise Brennan-Nelson that reminds readers to spend quality time with family by picking a day of the week to do something fun instead of waiting for that someday that might not come.
Snacks were shared as were stories about days gone by when grandmas and grandpas were in elementary school.
Another special guest of honor was Rosemary Surface, better known to generations of Massie students as Grandma Rosemary.
Grandma Rosemary will celebrate her 85th birthday in January. In addition to being the mother of two and the grandmother of seven, Grandma Rosemary has served as a volunteer mentoring and nurturing Clinton-Massie Elementary students for more than 25 years.
Grandma Rosemary, who enjoys reading, gardening, and baking, often bakes cookies for class projects. A staple of the CMES community, Grandma Rosemary can be found listening to children as they read, say sight words, and practice their math facts.
Whether it’s a grandma in the classroom or a grandparent in the family room, Clinton-Massie Local Schools celebrates Grandparents Day every year as a tribute to the love and support these special individuals provide in the lives of Massie students.
Information for this article was provided by Diana Miller, who coordinates communications for several area schools.
