The idea, said Principal Katie Russo, came out of many brainstorming sessions with the team.

“We wanted to find new and novel ways to connect with families,” Russo said. “We recognize that school sometimes comes across as intimidating and as a school family, we work to break down barriers so that families see our school as a place to have any question answered or any problem solved. We had a training on this past summer and this idea took shape with many staff working together to make it happen.”

There was no shortage of volunteers, with over 30 staff members volunteering to work a station from 4:30 to 5:30 on Oct. 5. Locations were chosen in areas closest to clusters of families’ homes.

“We worked with the Jamestown Police Department and the Parks Department to make sure we could be approved in all locations and then sought donations from community organizations, with the BPU, UPMC, and M&T Bank donating items and resources for us to pass out to families,” Russo said. “Our PTA also provided the popcorn and donated fridge magnets with important school phone numbers for families to have as well!”

Lincoln staff hosted a neighborhood Meet and Greet at corners throughout the west side of Jamestown a few weeks ago. Pictured are Sue Christian, Heidi Maggio, Cathy South, Mary Cook, Ashley Genco, and Katie Russo.

Kaleisha Velazquez, a fourth grade teacher, at Lincoln was pleased with the turnout for the event.

“The Meet and Greet was an exciting activity that promoted a connection between Lincoln and our families in the community,” she said. “Students were ecstatic to have an opportunity to come visit and chat with the teachers and staff all around their neighborhoods. Current and former students joined the fun and made the evening one to remember!”

Terry Ortiz, who was appointed to serve as a Teacher on Special Assignment supporting students and staff in the building, enjoyed the opportunity to connect with Lincoln families.

“We had the chance to meet and talk with past, present and future students off school grounds without the constraints of time, academics or various demands we have during the school day,” he said. “It also allowed me the chance to meet families of the Abraham Lincoln School community. I love an opportunity to meet our families and hear their wishes, dreams and challenges.”

Ortiz noted that not just current students and families stopped by.

“We had five former students stop by and talk about their memories from Lincoln School,” he said. “A wonderful couple who live on Chapman Street stopped and shared stories of how they enjoy seeing the children walking to and from school, and current families stopped to share their appreciation for our dedication to the students’ community.”

“The number of cars that drove by beeping, waving and smiling definitely let us know what we were doing was well received,” he concluded. “Connecting with people is such an important part of our jobs and we found a new way of doing exactly that.”