Heights honors family centered culture through Bring Your Kid to Work Day

Submitted by Hamilton Heights School Corporation

Hamilton Heights Middle School celebrated its annual staff Bring Your Kid to Work Day last Friday, continuing a beloved tradition that highlights the family-centered culture at the heart of the district.

The day offered students a glimpse into the world of education while giving staff members the chance to share their daily work with the people who matter most to them – their children. It was a spring bright spot filled with connection, curiosity, and moments that reminded everyone why this work matters.

For many staff members, the day provided a meaningful opportunity for their children to better understand their roles as educators. Special education teacher Ashley Wagner shared how powerful it was to watch her daughter step in to help a student with a math assignment.

“It was awesome to watch the interaction and see how responsive both my daughter and the student were as they worked through the problem together,” Wagner said. “It was a great reminder of how valuable student collaboration can be and how hearing a different explanation can change a student’s understanding.”

Others experienced the day for the first time. Abigail Speck, eighth-grade Language Arts Teacher, noted how much her son enjoyed being part of the school community.

“It was a fun day to spend together, and memories were made,” Speck said. “I also think the students enjoyed getting to know my son and interacting with him.”

For some, the day has become a cherished annual tradition. Michelle Rose, fifth-grade Math and Science Teacher, reflected on how her daughter’s visits spark new insights.

“My child looks forward to this day all year long,” Rose said. “I always come away having learned something new – whether it’s fresh instructional ideas or different approaches to classroom management. The students in my classroom are incredibly welcoming, and their kindness and enthusiasm make me proud to be a Husky.”

The event also held special meaning for staff whose children have grown up in the classroom. Audrey Wetz, seventh- and eighth-grade ELA Teacher, shared how meaningful it was to have her college-aged daughter return.

“This was the first time she wasn’t close enough to just pop in to get to know my students,” Wetz said. “I loved that Bring Your Kid to Work Day provided that opportunity. It was fun for my students to meet her and see that on her second day home from college, they were important enough for her to ‘come back to school’ to meet them.”

Throughout the building, students embraced their young visitors with warmth and enthusiasm. Craig Adkins, Instructional Assistant, noted how welcoming the fifth graders were to his toddlers, who spent the morning coloring and participating in class activities. Athletic Secretary Jayme Patterson appreciated the chance for meaningful one-on-one time with her son before he transitions to middle school next year. Heather Greider, fifth-grade ELA, Social Studies, Science, and Math Teacher, shared that her children look forward to this day every year because they love being “special helpers” in her classroom.

Some children even stepped into leadership roles. Meghan Trees, fifth-grade English and Social Studies teacher, shared that her daughter Nora planned and led an activity entirely on her own – a moment that delighted the class and showcased the confidence these experiences can build.

For others, the day offered a first-time glimpse into the teaching profession. Instructional Assistant Sarah Pettijohn reflected, “She has loved every minute of getting to see what her mom does and the students I get to work with daily. It gives kids a good glimpse of what this profession is all about. I love that our school does this for its staff members and their kids.”

Across every classroom, the theme was the same: joy, connection, and a deeper appreciation for the work happening each day at Hamilton Heights.