Smiley Elementary School held a “Goodies for Grandparents Day” Friday, in honor of National Grandparents Day, which was Sept. 7. The day kicked off as Principal David Edwards welcomed a packed gymnasium at Smiley.
 “We’re off to a great start this year at Smiley, and we are glad to have all of you here for our Goodies for Grandparents Day,’ ” Edwards said.
 “Being a grandparent is a job where you are part parent, part teacher and part best friend.”
After Edwards spoke, the grandparents joined their grandchildren in
classrooms to enjoy
cookies and juice, and admire the children’s class work.
Olla Dell Baxter, who was visiting her grandson Ryan Baxter, said, “This is really a fine school, and when things like this take place, it shows the kids just how much they are loved and cared for.”
Third-grade teacher Melody Lambert said, “Grandparents can help in so many ways with a child. One way they can really help is to read to their child or let the child read to them.”
 “But its not just in ways like this,” Lambert said. “Any time that a grandparent or anyone else spends time with a child, it shows that child just how much they are loved and cared for.”
Grandparents Day originated in West Virginia, in 1973, after being promoted for three years by Marian McQuade.
Edwards was satisfied with the day’s activities and attendance.
“It was a great turnout today, and I’m thankful for all of the grandparents who came out.”