School & Family Magazine Newstand Arlington Nov/Dec 2017 | Page 27

Rankin’s Family Tree
By Kenneth Perkins
Niljka Wright, the family liaison from Rankin Elementary, got a little choked up recently during an event
she had planned.
It was Grandparents Story Night at the school, which allowed grandparents to visit the Rankin library with
their grandchildren, grab and book and a comfortable chair, and read to them.
“But it’s so much more than that,” Wright said.
Wright was reminded of her own grandparents and how important it is to sit down and spend time with
them. She talked to the parents and the grandchildren at Story Night about learning the stories of their
grandparents and pulling from their wisdom since they have been around and learned so much.
“We shouldn’t take that for granted but a lot of times we do,” Wright said. “It’s human nature. They are right
there in front of us a lot of times, and we don’t talk to them about anything that is important. Sit down with
your grandparents. Listen to what they have to say. Cherish them.”
Many of the families attending the event got a chance to do just that. They sat on the couches to visit with
their grandparents, most of them reading stories about grandparents. They also got a chance to fill out a My
Family Tree worksheet where they listed, as far as they could go, the names of ancestors.
Raul Garcia attended the event with his granddaughter, Lilly G., and had a special treat of also having his
children on hand.
“That’s what this is all about,” Wright said. “We want [grandparents] to read with them here and at home.
But most importantly, we want them to spend time with one another. They won’t always be here.”
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