The school gymnasium was transformed into a cozy space filled with smooth jazz and a virtual fireplace, setting the scene for scholars and their families as they enjoyed light refreshments.
The Gratitude Luncheon was made possible by Warrendale staff members and student council.
Students were then given a writing prompt about that month’s Moral Focus virtue, gratitude, and then presented their work. It marked the first Gratitude Luncheon in years, and Dean of Lower Elementary Amanda Childress wanted to bring it back to Warrendale.
About 20 families were included in the event set up by Special Education Teacher Jennifer Sheppard, At Risk Teacher Annie Golick, and Instructional Paraprofessional Juanamia Kelly.
About 20 scholars and their families participated in the event, which prompted scholars to share their gratitude via writing a piece and presenting it.
Golick said she wanted the writing prompts to be age appropriate, sharing that the prompt for kindergarten students was “I am thankful for my family because…”.
Scholars presented their work. Writing prompts varied by age, including kindergartner’s prompt: “I am thankful for my family because…”
“For the older kids, we had them focus on challenges they’ve faced and reflect on them and how they’re grateful for those challenges now,” Golick said. “We really wanted to make sure the prompts were intentional, and they got to showcase their writing ability. It also gave them a chance to be creative and showcase their skills within a Moral Focus lesson.”
Families got a firsthand look at the Moral Focus curriculum in action. The event also offered a space for students and parents to bond, as students shared their thoughts and feelings.
Warrendale Principal Dr. Von Glass speaks to scholars and their families at the school’s Gratitude Luncheon.
Golick said there were vulnerable moments and that she heard some parents say, “I didn’t even know my child felt that way.”
“It really hit the parents,” Golick said. “For them, it was not only a moment to celebrate their children but also a moment to get to know them deeper. Some of the prompts did push kids to go further. It was rewarding for me as a parent to see how they all felt.”
The Gratitude Luncheon took place in the school gymnasium, which was decorated with a virtual fireplace and filled with jazz tunes.
Engaging families was an important aspect of the event, according to Sheppard. She added that it was amazing to see how scholars’ faces lit up when their family members arrived for the luncheon.
This emphasis on parent partnership is just one of the many reasons Warrendale has outperformed the local district since 2010.
“Our families make us who we are,” Sheppard said. “That’s why we had a free event and had two sessions to accommodate families’ schedules. Our parent relationships are essential. It’s crucial to how we move here at Warrendale.”
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About Warrendale Charter Academy
Warrendale Charter Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Detroit, Michigan, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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