Grandparents Head Back to DHS to Learn How to Get Involved

Almost 100 grandparents took advantage of a unique opportunity at Deerfield High School last month. DHS hosted a Freshman Grandparent Orientation on Oct. 25 that attracted participants from around the community.

“I wanted grandparents to really understand what it is grandchildren are doing in school,” said Jerry Witkovsky. The longtime Deerfield resident co-planned the event with DHS Science Department Chair Judi Luepke.

Four of Luepke’s sophomore students were part of a panel discussion that allowed grandparents the opportunity to ask them questions.

“We love grandparents,” Michael Alfieri said about why he volunteered.

“It was basically just a chance for grandparents of freshman to know what their grandchildren are up to,” Sarah Spiro added. “Sometimes grandparents and grandchildren don’t always have the best communication.”

Witkovsky has been organizing events like these at the high school for the past four years because he sees the importance of getting grandparents involved in their grandchildren’s lives.

“What we have is knowledge and wisdom over a long period of time,” the 83-year-old said. “I think this program should be in every school because grandparents can be, should be, a vital part of the family.”

Witkovsky said questions ranged from “What’s the difference between AP and honors?” to “When’s the best time to call my grandchild?”

“It seems like they’re generally interested in knowing what’s going on at school,” Josh Moy, DHS sophomore volunteer, commented.

“They always ask me about school, what I’m doing and what I’m learning,”
Samantha Gottstein, the fourth volunteer, said about her relationship with her
grandparents. “So I was happy to provide any information that would make these
grandparents feel the same way mine do.”

Deerfield High School hopes to hold a similar event for grandparents in the spring.