Building new friendships, new school communities

In an effort to provide as smooth a transition as possible for Ames and Whitman families to their new

Ames students perform a dance during the school’s Fine Arts Festival and Community Open House in May, 2009.

schools, a Parent/Principal Transition Team was formed.  The Team consists of the principal and one or two parent leaders from each sending and receiving school.  The Team met twice - once in December and once in February - to get to know one another, share information, and design welcoming activities at receiving schools for Ames and Whitman families.

The Team decided upon three activities to recommend to the District Transition Team in which all receiving schools would participate:

• Create visits of new schools for all Ames and Whitman students in April
• Assign student buddies in April
• Have a welcoming, social activity for families in the fall

"Our parent leaders were great.  They were so eager to welcome Ames and Whitman families, and at the same time, they respected the need for Ames and Whitman to finish the school year in their own way,"

A Whitman student and his mom look at memory books during Whitman’s Art Night and Community Open House last May.

said Board of Education President Bob Colwell.  "The strength of character of the Ames and Whitman parents, employees, and students was phenomenal.  They made this work.  We as a school community are so thankful for their willingness to work with us during this process."