The Dr. Walter Cunningham School of Excellence hosted its annual Donuts with grownups event, encouraging parents and community members to show up and support their students toward continued educational success.
“We have seen mentors, pastors, older siblings, babysitters, parents, grandparents, etc.,” said principal Neldrekka Whitaker. “This event is one of our bigger family events throughout the year, and this format makes it more inclusive and welcoming to all the family makeups we have at Cunningham.”
Aimed at helping students engage with the adults in their lives, this event gives participants an opportunity to connect with both the students and their educators in the classroom.
“I like that the event fosters positivity between all stakeholders in the educational process of the young people,” said Chris Tims, parent, and teacher at Waterloo Schools. “To see all the smiling faces and excitement of the students was truly amazing.”
Tims says it was great to see his daughter and her classmates practicing their letter sounds with Mrs. Graves. Additionally, Mrs. Graves also updated all in attendance about the important upcoming assessment for students and the key practices parents can help with at home.
“It takes a village to raise children, and the more hands we have on deck, the better suited our young people will be to go out into the world to create the necessary changes that are needed,” said Tims.
Principal Whitaker says their focus for this year’s event was literacy. Teachers such as Ms. Graves were able to share about the state FAST assessment, students read, student support resources, and their individual pride binders.
“Our families and community look forward to this event and we often get asked when are going to do it again,” said Whitaker. “This is our first time doing the event since covid and we’re excited to bring it back.”
