news-record.com

HIGH POINT — Third-grader Dustin Hudson sat on his grandfather’s lap Friday morning surrounded by plenty of other grandparents and grandchildren.

For Dustin, his grandfather’s T-shirt said it all: “Grandpa, The Greatest.”

Paul and Sharon Compton left their Albemarle home before 7 a.m. so they could attend Allen Jay Elementary’s annual Grandparent’s Tea with Dustin.

Principal Dawn Spencer said that kind of dedication is common for the grandparents at Allen Jay.

“They’re really critical to providing stability at home,” she said.

She estimates about 70 percent of her students either live with their grandparents or interact with them on a weekly basis. Reaching out to grandparents is critical to building relationships and helping the kids do well.

“That regular contact makes a huge difference. They begin to trust us, and we get to know them,” Spencer said.

Grandparents and parents packed the school’s small cafeteria for tea, cookies and a boogie lesson in geometry. Matt Hamilton, the school’s gym teacher, got the kids and grandparents to spin around, slide to the left and right, and just shake to teach few quick math lessons.

The school needs a strong relationship with families. Allen Jay failed to meet federal testing standards for a second year in a row. The failing grade last year means families have the option of moving their children to another school.

Many Guilford County schools are in the same boat and have had students leave in droves.

But Allen Jay lost five students. Spencer said the connection the school has with its community makes the difference.

Kelly and Delois Purvis are happy to see their granddaughter Chardonnay attending the same school that her mother attended. They’ve been active at the school for both daughter and granddaughter.

“You can’t be a sideline parent,” he said.

For the kids, Friday was just a fun few hours to share cookies and tea with the people who love them.

“I’m spoiled rotten,” Dustin said, as he and his grandfather shared a smile.

Contact J. Brian Ewing at 373-7351 or brian.ewing@news-record.com