Video: Grandparents Day at Boulder Hill Elementary

It was, perhaps, a strange sight: hundreds of senior citizens roaming the halls of on Friday. Strange, that is, unless you’re familiar with an annual Boulder Hill tradition: Grandparents Day.

Started 10 years ago as an outgrowth of the school’s Fathers Forum, Grandparents Day is a chance for kids to bring their grandmothers and grandfathers to school with them, and show off what they’re learning. It’s also a chance for grandparents to bond with their grandkids.

“It’s very popular,” said Jim Etheridge, a longtime member of the Boulder Hill Fathers Forum. “The kids are so proud to have their grandparents come in and meet their teachers, and see what they do at school.”

Kim Kuzawa, a first-grade teacher who helped organize this year’s Grandparents Day, said it’s a good opportunity for grandparents to see their grandkids’ daily routines, and reminisce about their own school days.

“They always talk about how different school is now,” Kuzawa said.

Grandparents stayed for about two hours on Friday morning, catching a rehearsal for the upcoming fifth grade musical (on Nov. 8), playing games in the gym, and helping students learn in the classroom. Principal Jeff Schafermeyer said this year’s event drew about 350 grandparents.