Until a few years ago, kids at Gillett Elementary School looked forward to a half day in the spring when their grandparents could come and see the special things they do in their classroom. That half day was replaced with a half hour lunch in the middle of the school week. That is a negative change for multiple reasons.

1) Forthe grandparents, that half day gave them the chance to seewhat kind of work their grandchild did in class, and the kids were excited to show their grandparents what kind of activities they do. The thirty minute lunch does not even allow for the chance for the grandparent to see the classroom, let alone any activities.

2) Many grandparents work now, and taking time off work in the middle of the week isdifficult. The fact that it's only a half hour lunch adds to the difficulty. It is easier for working grandparents to get time off on a Friday than a Tuesday or Wednesday.

3) For families that have more than one child at the elementary school, the half day allowed the grandparents to equally divide their timewith each individual grandchild in his/her classroom. With the 30 minute lunch, that opportunity is gone.

4) Families are expected to pay $3.65per grandparent for the lunch. With the activities in the classrooms, families did not have to pay for anything!

Family events are becoming a rarity, and events that are solely for grandparents are even scarcer. Let's fight to take back this tradition and give our kids and our parents that chance to make special memories once again!