If you drive by Dr. Bruce Wood Elementary School early in the morning, you will see a group of students in brightly colored vests sporting the biggest smiles and greeting students in the car pick up line. This group of fourth and fifth grade students, known as “Morning Greeters,” arrive at school by 7:15 AM each morning eager to get to work and help their fellow students start off the day on the right foot.
The Morning Greeter program at Wood Elementary began in Fall 2024 under the direction of Principal Aleix Santiago. The program is open to fourth and fifth grade students who wish to apply with final permission being granted by Principal Santiago. Students arrive at school by 7:15 AM so that they can put on their safety gear and make their way to the car drop off line. Morning Greeters help to open car doors and greet students with a friendly smile and positive words of encouragement.
Some might be surprised that these ten and eleven year old students willingly arrive to school early, but for Morning Greeters Janiya Bowie, Emersyn Hansard and Dominic Golish it has become a way of life that they truly enjoy.
Janiya shared that being part of the Morning Greeters has helped her to meet new students. “I’ve been able to meet a bunch of new students and current students that I did not know before,” she shared. “It has been fun to be able to provide a sense of encouragement to students as they arrive.”
The group has also picked up some leadership skills along the way. “A Morning Greeter must be a leader,” shared Dominic. “We have to know when to take charge and when to step back. Sometimes there are students who do not want to go to school on a particular morning and they may take a little bit longer getting out of the car. We have to be able to recognize the signs and then work to reassure them that they are going to have a great day.”
Collaboration has also been another skill that the group has been able to perfect.
“By working together we have learned that there are different ways to figure out problems,” Emersyn expressed. “ We have been able to work through conflict anytime it exists and we all have become great friends because of Morning Greeters.”
Additionally, the students have learned that each of them bring something unique to the table when it comes to helping other students who might be having a rough morning. Janiya reminds them to take a deep breath. Emerysn reminds them that recess is coming soon and Dominic does his best to tell a silly joke.
“All of us have different techniques when it comes to helping other students and that is what makes each of us special,” Janiya shared.
Perhaps more than anything these Morning Greeters want other students to know that Wood is a safe place. “Kids don’t have to worry here,” Emersyn shared. “They have friends here. Our teachers help us to focus on our academics, but they teach in a way that is fun and engaging. We know the staff cares about us. We are a huge family here at Wood.”