There are some memories from growing up that stick with us for a lifetime. One of those core memories for Woodhaven Upper Elementary teacher Beth Palovich was when she had the opportunity to have breakfast with her elementary principal when she was in fifth grade.
“It was something special that I got to do, and I thought it was a great way to be able to connect with my principal,” Palovich said.
She pitched the idea to Principal Roger Gurganus, who agreed that it would be a great idea to engage the students at Woodhaven Upper Elementary.
So begins the story of how 30 students from Woodhaven Upper Elementary joined Principal Gurganus at Big Boy in Woodhaven for breakfast on a recent winter morning.
Each homeroom teacher nominated a student from their class based on certain criteria, and the Woodhaven Upper Elementary PTO supported the idea to help make connections with students. Palovich said from the teacher perspective, she loves how this program says to the students, “I see you, and I see what you’re doing in the classroom.”
This breakfast with the Principal will be a monthly occurrence for students who earn the invitation and is supported by the school’s PTO.
“Anything we can do to help contribute to a positive experience and acknowledge positive leadership skills with the students, we want to celebrate that,” said PTO President Angie DeMoisey.
Principal Gurganus said many of the adults dining in the Woodhaven Big Boy made comments about how well behaved the students were and were curious about the event.
“This experience is about community, relationships with students, and empowering teachers when they have an idea that fits our mission of hope, love and education, to be able to bring that forward,” he said. “These kids are going to remember this experience, we want to make them feel special.”