"Grand Greeters" Bring That Extra Warmth to Troy Hofer Students

Photo: Troy Hofer Elementary School “Grand Greeters,” from left, Grandpa Yates, Poppy John, Grandma Yates, Grandma Rebstock, Grandma Neisler and Grandma Freeman.

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During its second year of the program, Troy Hofer Elementary School is finding its grandparent “Grand Greeters” a loving and joyful addition to its mornings.

The program allows grandparents of students to come visit once a month and welcome students to the school. They also stay for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Principal Kristin Copes said the program began last year.

“We love having our Grand Greeters,” Copes said. “It makes the mornings a little more joyful. We roll out the program at our Grandparents Day luncheons in September. We have some grandparents drive a distance.”

It can be a wonderful surprise when students walk into school and see a grandparent there, she said. But all of Hofer’s students, not just the grandchildren, get a boost from the Grand Greeters. Copes said they are excited to have the grandparents greet them and wish them a lovely learning day.

It’s all part of Hofer’s “Be Kind” school community.

“Beginning the day with a smile, a good morning and a welcome from your school family starts the day off with encouragement and empathy,” Copes said. “Adding some loving grandparents to that welcome warms many hearts. Our grandparents love their grandchildren and love our Hofer School, and we love them. It’s an honor to welcome these Grand Greeters into our school home. They may walk into our school with a grandkid or two, but they walk out with over 400.”

Troy Hofer social worker Amy Giefer, who organizes the program with fellow social worker Tara Wagner, said the school offers the program as a way to grow community connections and to start each student's day with a positive message.

“There are many smiles on Friday mornings,” she said.