About 740 fourth-graders gathered recently on the Forest Hills Northern High School football field with the goal of getting to know one another and building a sense of belonging.
Many of the district’s fourth-graders will move to new buildings where three elementary schools converge, so the event gave students an opportunity to meet others in a fun setting, said Tamasha James, district director of student success.
The Shared Voices Committee, a student-led group focused on belonging, inclusivity, and kindness, helped plan the event. National Honor Society students and district staff — including administrators, custodians, athletic directors and security — also helped lead activities and interact with students.
Fourth-graders were divided into groups by last name so they could meet peers from different buildings. The groups then took part in a series of bonding activities designed to help them get to know one another, James said.
Read more about the event with School News Network’s article about the Belonging Bash.
