Texas provided sunny skies last Friday as students welcomed their grandparents and loved ones onto campus for The Girls’ School of Austin’s Annual Grandparents Day Celebration.
“One of the things I know about grandparents—which I learned when my mom became a grandparent—is that they see their grandchildren in ways that are different from anyone else,” shared Rebecca Yacono, Head of School for the GSA. “And Grandparents’ Day gives us the chance to see our students through their grandparents’ eyes.”
The afternoon featured several activities for students and their families to enjoy: Middle School and their grandparents enjoyed a delicious sandwich lunch from Central Market; Lower School and their grandparents snacked on delectable treat boxes donated by members of our GSA community. Several classes put on stellar poetic and musical performances, and everyone enjoyed perusing the classrooms, craft activity tables, and vibrant displays of student artwork.
“I just returned from Grandparents Day, and I must tell you how happy it made me,” shared Abby Kenigsberg, a new grandparent to the GSA community. “The school [is] very beautiful; the art displays from girls of all ages were impressive. Overall, my first visit to The Girls’ School has made me a very enthusiastic grandma.”
Behind the scenes, the planning that goes into this beloved celebration is certainly no small feat. According to Reagan Ward, the Director of Advancement at GSA, all members of the school’s community play a crucial role in ensuring the event’s success.
“Grandparents Day is truly a labor of love,” she prefaced. “The parent committee works for months planning and preparing; the teachers and students put an incredible amount of time and effort into the work they showcase in the classrooms and performances. Volunteers even bake cookies and put together floral arrangements. And when the day arrives, volunteers manage every aspect of the event, making sure it runs smoothly for the girls and their Grands. It’s amazing to see a community come together to provide such a special setting for that kind of magical memory-making.”
“[I have] so much gratitude for the committee and staff that did the heavy lifting,” said Fourth Grade mother Meera de Mel. “It’s a super meaningful event for my family, and my in-laws frame their invitation whenever it comes. I appreciate getting to volunteer!”
Needless to say, our GSA community is excited to continue this long-standing tradition, emphasizing the importance of nourishing our girls’ relationships inside and out of the classroom.
“Getting a glimpse into your grandchild’s school life is such a unique opportunity, and I wish I’d had the chance to give my own grandparents a window into my school life,” said Ms. Yacono. “Grandparents’ Day really represents the fact that the GSA community embraces all aspects of our students’ lives.”
To ensure that GSA has sufficient enough resources to bring these events to fruition, kindly consider donating to our 2023 Firebird Fund. Your contributions are greatly appreciated, and we thank you for your continued support towards girls’ education, well-being, and personal growth.