A truly unforgettable event, a time to share school with grandparents and everyone loves it!

For over 40 years, Durham Elementary School has proudly celebrated Grandparents Day—and for good reason. Each year, students are encouraged to invite their grandparents or special guests to showcase their accomplishments. Grandparents will enjoy a delicious breakfast, visit classrooms, engage in fun activities with their grandchildren, and experience outstanding performances. It’s a day full of joy, leaving both the children thrilled and the grandparents absolutely delighted.

Who can attend this event?  

This event is specifically for grandparents or a special guest, not parents (unless you're volunteering). Enjoy the morning to yourself!

How many Grandparents can one student have attend?   

As many as they’d like! Just register them either before the event or on the day.

What if a Grandparent has more than one grandchild at the school?  

Not a problem, they will have plenty of time to see all the performances, visit each classroom and participate in activities with each student.

How will Grandparents know what to do?   

It’s easy! Upon arrival, guests can check in at the front of the school, where they’ll receive their visitor pass(es), a program with the event schedule, and a campus map. Volunteers will also be on hand to assist and guide them.

Where do the Grandparents park?   

We won’t sugarcoat it—it’s going to be busy with around 750 people attending! If possible, please carpool. The Durham High School parking lot will be reserved for grandparents and guests only, while high school students will park on the grass near the softball field. Be sure to let grandparents know there will be plenty of walking and standing, so comfortable shoes are a must!

My Grandparent has mobility issues, are there arrangements for them?   

For those with mobility concerns, drop-off will be available at the DES circle, and a limited number of accessible parking spots will be provided. If a wheelchair or mobility aid is needed, guests are welcome to bring their own, and accommodations will be made.

What should attendees wear?   

Comfortable clothing and shoes are a must! Since part of the event is outdoors, please dress for the weather. If it rains, we’ll do our best to provide shelter, but rain jackets are highly recommended. Due to the crowds, umbrellas may not be ideal.

How does the day work?   

randparents will check in at the front of the school with our volunteers upon arrival. They’ll then proceed to the breakfast area to enjoy a complimentary breakfast, including coffee (this breakfast is exclusively for grandparents). A welcome ceremony will be held for all grandparents before they continue to enjoy breakfast and await grade performances and classroom activities. At the start of the day, they will receive a program outlining the schedule and locations of these events. Once grandparents and students have participated in all the activities they wish, they are welcome to leave.

NOTE:, you must provide signed permission for your child to leave with a grandparent.

What if my child does not have a Grandparent available to attend?   

This is a common question: each classroom will be assigned a volunteer grandparent (we have an amazing group of volunteers every year!). Alternatively, students are welcome to invite another special person to attend in place of their grandparents.

We did not pre-register, can we do it on the day?   

Of course you can! Have them look for the table for the day of registration and we’ll get them all signed up. It is vital that they register as we need to know who is on campus during that day for security purposes.

What if my Grandparent cannot attend at the last minute?   

We understand that illnesses can arise unexpectedly, and plans may change. No worries! Have your child check in with their teacher or the office as soon as possible, and we’ll assign a volunteer to them. Alternatively, they can invite a special person to attend in their place, but that person must register so we can keep track of everyone on campus for security purposes.

What if it rains?  

If it rains we will endeavor to provide shelter but rain jackets are incredibly helpful, it tends to get quite crowded so umbrellas are not ideal.

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This is not a fundraising event. Our cookie dough fundraiser helps pay for this event as well as the ticket price. The ticket price is to cover the costs only.
We do ask for donations as needed as this event is extensive and we may need assistance to cover costs.