Grandparents Week, annual Book Fair continue through Thursday, Friday
By Donnie A. Lucas
Grandparents Week at Nancy Smith Elementary continues today and tomorrow, along with the associated Book Fair.
The Parent-Teachers Organization is hosting the annual Book Fair in the cafeteria on the same days that grandparents are welcome to eat with their grandchildren or other students who might need a stand-in.
“It has been booming so far,” counselor Susie Beard said Tuesday. “We have had lots of grandparents for lunch, as well as both parents and grandparents at the book fair.”
She added that the turnout is exceptional in light of the fact that the event was not held last year due to the COVID pandemic.
The books are set up on the stage in the cafeteria for students and grandparents to view during student lunch times. The usual assortment of books, games, posters, bookmarks, and other supplies are available.
Grandparents and “substitute” grandparents are invited to eat with students at any time during the next couple of days. There are not any scheduled times for particular grade levels.
“It is open for visitors to come on either of the two days remaining,” Beard said. “There aren’t specific days like in the past.”
Lunch periods at the campus are staggered from 11:00 a.m. through 1:15 p.m., and visitors are welcome to join students during those lunch times.
Lunch trays are not available for adults to purchase this year, but visitors are welcome to bring a lunch and even share it with their students.
Visitors can check in at the front doors of the main building or at the entrance to the cafeteria. Greeters will be at both locations to help with the sign-in and escort or direct visitors to the cafeteria as needed.
Students are encouraged to invite their grandparents or “substitutes” that are standing in for students whose grandparents are unable to attend.
Any senior adults in the community who would like to volunteer to eat with a student who doesn’t have grandparents nearby can call the school office to volunteer. The main phone number of 325-762-3384.
Photos are not being sold by the school this year, but a spring backdrop is available. Members of the Leadership Team are on hand to take photos with phone cameras provided by visitors.
PTO president Mallarie Sutton said that the Book Show is displayed on the stage area in the cafeteria.
The products are made available through the Scholastic Book Company.
Sutton said that local residents can also purchase books online through April 15. A link has been placed on the Albany PTO’s Facebook page.
