It was a normal Friday morning at Alcove Trails until Bennett Elementary showed up with decorations, snacks, and encouraging notes for the ATMS staff.
What was once a blank canvas in the teachers’ lounge is now a space filled with fun posters, a trail mix bar, and several handwritten notes.
Bennett Elementary Principal, Kelly Eleuterius, believes that it is important to serve other schools in the Frenship ISD district.
“Each year we choose some way to serve our community. We have previously served through Meals on Wheels and giving back to the Casey Administration staff,” said Eleuterius. “This year when our leadership team met, we knew we wanted to serve Alcove Trails, we wanted to show them how much we appreciate them. Several of our previous students are now attending this campus.”
Rebecca Whipkey, Alcove Trails Principal, said this is exactly what the staff at ATMS needed.
“I’m so overwhelmed with gratitude for Bennett Staff putting this together for us. They are a true blessing. It is a perfect way to show the Frenship Serve Model. We are very thankful; it was so sweet to see what they put together,” said Whipkey.
The Frenship Serve Model is rooted in demonstrating positive behaviors in students and staff by serving the community at every opportunity.
“Bennett has a huge heart. The biggest thing that we always talk about is how we are a family. To be able to share that same family love and include Alcove Trails in our family is important. We wanted to make sure that they feel welcomed, appreciated, and noticed,” said Eleuterius.
Opening the doors to a new school is not an easy process, Whipkey believes that having support from other campuses and support from the community makes a big impact.
“I think it is important to show up for our school and show up for our students. We are brand new, and right now we are trying to figure out what our campus culture is. Having support from others shows our students how to demonstrate that same servant leadership,” said Whipkey.
“That initial support is what will be contagious to develop a tradition of service,” said Eleuterius.
In addition to the decorations and snacks, the Bennett PTA gave a donation to the Alcove Trails PTA.