John and Louise Wallace work with third-grader Charly Chiulli.
By Bridget Turcotte
LYNN — North Shore Christian School celebrated its Grandparents Day tradition by inviting 100 grandparents to visit with students last week.
“The kids are so proud to have their grandparents come and be able to show them their world,” said Barbara Delaney, a second grade teacher. “It’s a delight when everyone has a special guest. And as a grandmother, I can say that this time is special because it’s about grandparents getting to spend time with their grandchildren and not having to share them with their parents.”
North Shore Christian School is an independent Christian school serving students in pre-K through grade 8. It was founded in 1951 as a one-room school in Saugus with only 12 students. Today, there are more than 200 students on two campuses in Lynn and Beverly.
Last Friday, grandparents spent the afternoon completing projects and playing games with the children. The tradition dates back several years, said Priscilla Miro, director of admissions for the school.
“They day starts with all guests in the multipurpose room for student choruses, reflection on grandparents and prayer,” said Miro.
“I like Grandparents Day because I like to have time with my grandparents and make cards with them,” said Charly Chiulli, a third-grader who had four grandparents attend.
Chiulli added that he was happy to see all the grandparents watching as he and his classmates were singing during chorus.
Joao Gabriel Gomes, a third-grader, liked having his grandmother help him put together a project related to a book he is reading in class, “The Chocolate Touch,” by Patrick Skene Catling.
“I could see and feel the joy that filled the room as we watched and waited for the children to enter,” said Jan Rinne, a grandmother of a seventh grade and first grade student. “It just seemed that the room was overflowing with great pride and pleasure and love. I was blessed to have been able to spend such a wonderful day with both of my granddaughters.”
Bridget Turcotte can be reached at bturcotte@itemlive.com. Follow her on Twitter @BridgetTurcotte.