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Principals in Papillion La Vista describe family engagement, WATCH D.O.G.S. and after-school programs
Summary
Principals from five elementary schools in the district presented classroom-to-home engagement strategies, parent advisory structures, the WATCH D.O.G.S. program and after-school clubs, highlighting hands-on family events, STEM activities and a district-first garden grant.
Principals from Papillion La Vista Community Schools''Kind Array — Walnut Creek, Anderson Grove, Hickory Hill, Terra(ce) Heights and Trumbull Park — told the board Tuesday night how family engagement and extracurricular offerings are being used to boost student participation and learning.
Jamie Beisel, principal at Walnut Creek, told the board: "KIND ARRAY stands for kids inspiring new directions," and said the group focuses on student-first decisionmaking and collaboration across schools. Other principals described inviting families into classrooms for music events, science activities, multiplication stations and an American History "wax museum" where students present research projects.
Brooke Moorhead, principal at Anderson Grove, highlighted student-led family music events and kindergarten activities in which parents learn classroom content alongside their children. "Any time someone has to teach someone else how to do something you increase the ownership of your learning," Moorhead said.
Terra(ce) Heights principal Dave Fritzson described the WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) program, which brings father figures into full school days as role models and helpers. Fritzson said the program began at Terrace Heights and has expanded districtwide: last year the program recorded 30 volunteers covering 42 days and roughly 300 school hours; currently most offered dates are filled and the program has expanded to include additional Fridays.
Trumbull Park principal Sarah Rusk described a parent advisory committee that nominates families (one per classroom plus additional nominations from special education) to meet quarterly and provide input on culture, communications and operations. Rusk said the committee has helped surface issues such as drop-off and pick-up procedures and has generated ideas for streamlined communications and other improvements.
Walnut Creek principal Beisel also described after-school offerings and a district-first Planet Captain garden grant that provided four vegetable beds; students harvested basil that became homemade pesto and later partnered with the University of Nebraska Omaha and Conservation Nebraska to collect native seeds and establish four pollinator gardens.
Board members thanked the principals and encouraged continued family engagement. Several board members referenced attending presentations and community events tied to the elementary schools and noted that family involvement tends to increase student attendance and engagement.
