Extended Families and Friends Celebrate a Joyful Grands Day at Ellis

On April 18th, the halls of Ellis were filled with laughter, hugs, and joyful buzz as students welcomed their grandparents and close friends to a special celebration. The annual "Grands’ Day" brought together generations in a meaningful way, offering a chance for young learners to share their personal worlds with their essential support systems. This cherished event honors the vital role that grandparents, extended family members, and close friends play in a child’s life, offering not only unconditional love but also wisdom, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. From classroom tours to shared activities, the morning was filled with smiles, stories, and memories in the making.

The event took place at both our Jamaica Plain and South End campuses. The mornings began with registration, where guests enjoyed fresh coffee and pastries, mingled with fellow visitors, and learned more about Ellis’ mission and programs from CEO Lauren Cook. After a warm welcome, guests were brought to the classrooms and invited to step into the daily routine of their little ones.

Throughout the morning, guests rotated through the classrooms and outdoor spaces, exploring the rich learning environment that the students enjoy each day. In the classrooms, children and guests played with toys, blocks, beads, and paint, letting their creativity run free. Our students were eager to show off their favorite spaces, proudly leading their guests through the spaces where they build, create, and learn every day.

At our Jamaica Plain campus, students and special friends participated in our weekly music classes with Mr. Phil, a much loved teacher at Ellis, made possible by Ellis’s partnership with the New England Conservatory. The joy in the room was infectious, especially when grandparents joined in, laughing alongside their grandchildren. It was so special for Grands to experience this unique program at Ellis first-hand!

In the South End, garden visits were a favorite moment for many. Students demonstrated their budding green thumbs, planting seeds and teaching their guests what they’re learning about food and nutrition. Children and Grands also soaked up the sunshine at the Ellis Early Learning Park as students climbed, slid, and explored with their companions close by. The playground buzzed with laughter, and our special guests were amazed at the students’ energy.

As the morning came to a close, it was clear that "Grands Day" is more than just a school event – it is a celebration of the people who help shape a child’s world with love and care. As CEO Lauren Cook put it, “Grands Day is the happiest day of the year. Grandparents practically float out of Ellis.” All our special guests left Ellis with smiles on their faces and memories that will be cherished for years to come.