Tables are turned: School comes to kids at Laurel Oaks Apartments

--- Published on August 11th 2014 ---
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Kids come to school all year long, but for one day recently, the tables were turned and Jefferson School students at a local apartment complex saw school and District officials come to them.

The idea was to make school a little less intimidating to young children, to let them see and talk to their principal and some of their teachers in a relaxed, informal setting at the Laurel Oaks Apartments on Smoketree Drive. There was lots of small talk and smiles. Lots of opportunity to ask questions or, for new students, to fill out registration forms.

“It’s just building relationships with our Jefferson families – reaching out,” Principal Danisha Keeler said. “So kids know that school and families are all working together.”

The event was coordinated by Natomas Unified School District’s Parent CORES and by Keeler. Participants included representatives of Jefferson’s after-school program, Natomas High School, the District’s Food Services Department, school readiness program, and Brent Johnson, coordinator for mental health and homeless education. 

Visitors young and old also received a free lunch, consisting of a chicken sandwich with turkey bacon, sunflower seeds, a pepper jack cheesestick, blueberry yogurt parfait, nectarines, carrots and tomatoes.

Eight-year-old Crystal gave Keeler a big hug before leaving.

“I think this is a great idea,” said Barbara Williams, Crystal’s mother. “I like the way the superintendent is going with the district, meeting the community and adding more support options. I think that’s great.”