For 11 years, Kendall Shores has been teaching first grade at Weller Elementary School. She’s greeted her students with a smile, sharing curriculum and building connections with her Weller Panthers.
This year, learning may be different, but she’s still committed to welcoming her students back to school.
“I haven’t seen any of my students since March, and I’ve missed them,” said Shores. “The Weller Welcome Walk is a great way for me to see their faces, see their smiles, and help them know that we’re going to have a great year safely.”
On Tuesday, Aug. 18, Weller teachers walked the Weller neighborhood to visit each of their student’s homes. A specialty teacher and a classroom teacher were paired to visit students and their families. Together, they dropped off a Weller Welcome Back Bag with a special Weller water bottle, a healthy snack and information about returning back to school safely Aug. 24.
“Last year, we piloted Welcome Walk, where five of our classroom teachers went to each of their student’s homes to welcome them back to school,” said Dr. Rebecca Donaldson, principal of Weller Elementary. “It was such a huge success, all our teachers wanted to do it this year — and since it’s all outside, at our students’ homes, it’s a great and safe way to connect with our families and welcome them back.”
Shores stopped by 22 homes with counselor Phil Jones, delivering a bag to each student. Parents were able to ask teachers questions about the In-Person or Virtual learning options. Siblings and fellow Weller students were greeted by name, and families waved as they drove goodbye.
“I have a first-grader, too, my daughter Rory,” said Shores to a Weller parent, standing next to her incoming Weller kindergarten and first grade students. “I know this year is going to be different, but we’re all in this together.”