Kim Fisher, Instructional Coach, Keystone Elementary
When I am asked about the best part of my job, the answer is easy…kids! The energy they generate is infectious. Easily one of the best days to elevate the level of excitement comes with our back to school open house! Open house is a time that students, families, and staff get to officially start the year together. A core value at Benton Community is Caring and Belonging and open house provides so many examples of this value in action. At open house, students pour into the building with enthusiasm for a new year. Families connect with the variety of adults that will take care of their student(s). And staff are ready to prepare and communicate any necessary information to successfully kickstart another year with a new lineup of students. Elementary buildings across the district schedule individual open house slots to have time with each family. This individualized time spent with families shows another core value of Teamwork in action.
This year at Keystone Elementary’s open house, our students and families were greeted at the door by local celebrity, Benny Bobcat! Students got to have their own “signing day” to officially kickstart the year. Much like the collegiate signing days, students publicly displayed their intentions for the year ahead. They were presented with a sash to announce their grade level, signed the Bobcat Pledge, and got a picture with Benny. It was great to see the pride radiating from our young Bobcats and families. Benton Community works hard to be ‘A Place to Belong’ and that was on full display at open house.
