What would normally be a time of year reserved for reflection and anticipation for the upcoming summer break was a welcomed opportunity for Trion City Schools educators to connect with the students and parents they serve.

With bags of belongings from students’ lockers lining the entrances to the school, teachers waited for carloads of their families to arrive on campus. This was the first opportunity for educators to share a face-to-face interaction with families since schools closed their doors in mid-March as COVID-19 swept across the nation.

Trion Elementary School began their end of the year process on April 30, 2020 by making school locker contents available for pickup.

Although there was no end of the year party to attend, Bulldog educators were excited to greet parents and students.

The process began on Tuesday, April 28 by collecting each student’s items and bagging them up separately. Parents were notified that there would be a three-hour window in which they could drive to the school and pick up their child’s belongings.

Educators also took this opportunity to take care of a little house cleaning.

Parents were encouraged to bring back library books, drop off math packets and even get a jump on next year by dropping off registration materials.

Administrators and teachers organized the event by grade level and were ready to hand off the contents of lockers as parents drove up to the front of the schools.

Some students were surprised and grateful to find an old lost favorite item of clothing as lost and found items were also available for pick-up.

Dr. Phil Williams Superintendent Randy Henderson Board Chair Kari Maddux Vice Chair Members Johnny Brimer Darriel Broome Jeff Maddux

Staying true to the mission of continuing education efforts, teachers used this opportunity to pass out work packets for students to complete over these last few weeks of this academic year.

Christy Bowman, a fourth-grade math teacher was amongst teachers who were on hand to distribute items to parents. “The turnout was great,” she said, “and we had many parents bringing their children along to say hello to us teachers as well.” Bowman and her fellow colleagues were overjoyed to see Trion’s students, and loved the chance to see their smiling faces. “I miss my kids,” she shared after handing the items to one of the cars in the line.

Helping to distribute and collect items along with Mrs. Bowman were teachers from every grade level of Trion Elementary School.

The typical end of any school year is a mix between excitement for the upcoming summer and a sadness over saying goodbye. Thursday’s locker cleanout did not have the same feel as a normal end of the year proceeding.

Teachers and administrators made the extra effort to not only be there in person to hand off items, but also to spread some much-needed cheer in this challenging time. Giving students a chance to see their teachers again, even for a brief time, was Trion’s way of letting their community know they care.

TCS is counting the days until their students can make those lockers full again.

For more information about this event, or to schedule a time to pick up locker contents, please contact Trion City Schools Central Office at 706-734-2363.