In conjunction with the annual Grandparents Luncheon, Heritage Elementary School launched the Grandparents Club to involve this generation in their grandchildren’s school days. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Heritage Elementary School has founded the Grandparents Club for the generation who already ‘graduated’ from mentoring children in school.

“To celebrate Grandparent’s Day (which was Sept. 13), we invited grandparents to have lunch with their grandchildren the week before,” Heritage PTA President Sarah Brewer said.

In the cafeteria, grandparents sat with their grandchildren’s classes. “It was great for kids that might not have local grandparents to still get to interact with those grandparents” who attended, Brewer said.

Grandparents “loved coming in and seeing their grandchildren at school and meeting teachers and friends. We also heard great comments from the kids,” Brewer said.

In conjunction with the lunches, Heritage launched a Grandparent’s Club. “We hope the club will give grandparents more opportunities to come to school for special planned grandparent events,” Brewer said.

Approximately 50 grandparents signed up for the club.

This effort not only welcomes grandparents on campus but also encourages them to be involved through volunteering, Heritage Principal Dr. Georgina Nelson said.

Heritage PTA learned about the club idea at a Madison City Council of PTAs meeting. “A Huntsville School started a similar program last year. We thought it was a great idea,” Brewer said.

Heritage PTA will schedule grandparent events, like book fair days, reading times with students and service projects. “Grandparents have so much to share with the kids, teachers, parents and PTA,” Brewer said.

Having had their own children in school, grandparents “offer a lot of experience and ideas useful for planning events and activities. They are also often free during school hours” to visit when working parents cannot, Brewer said.

Conversely, grandparents benefit by interacting “with their grandkids in an academic setting where the kids spend the majority of their time,” Brewer said. “Grandparents get a first-hand look into their grandkids’ education and can make a lasting impact … not only on their grandchildren but others by sharing their wisdom, stories and history.”

Anyone with a grandchild at Heritage “and willingness to help” can join the Grandparents Club, Brewer said. For more information, visit tackk.com/grandparentsclub.