Student representatives Tasneem Yasmin and Timothy Bijou told the board that Garrettford Elementary has begun a monthly program to build student belonging in the wake of COVID disruptions.

"Once a month on early dismissal Wednesdays, the Garrett Ford families program runs from 11 to 11:30AM," the student representatives said in their report. Nearly every teacher and staff member is assigned 12 to 13 students from first through fifth grades to complete team-building activities during that time.

Why it matters: The program is designed to create stable, cross-age student groups so younger students receive additional adult attention and older students practice leadership. Student representatives said teachers and staff reported students who are not leaders in class often show leadership in the family setting, and that the families remain the same from year to year to maintain continuity.

What the student reps observed: During a recent visit the groups worked on flag designs and secret handshakes; the program’s counselor, Mrs. Thomas, manages placements and logistics. The student representatives praised Garrettford staff and specifically named principal Mr. Bridges and assistant principal Mrs. Mansouridis for their roles in creating a welcoming environment. The student reps closed their report by thanking the board and community.