For many years now the Newbury School has been the site of a celebration bringing together Howell residents of all ages with their annual Grandparents Day event. 

That tradition was continued recently when fourth graders welcomed not only their own grandparents but also adopted ones from the Howell Senior Center. As part of the day the visitors from the school enjoyed several forms of entertainment and refreshments in the school's cafeteria. 

James Quinn, the principal of the school said one of the highlights of the day was a performance by the fourth grade chorus with a variety of patriotic songs. The students also read some of their own compositions they have written over the course of the year. Quinn credited Noreen Omelczuk and Larissa Sack, teachers at the school with helping to put the event together.  

Quinn said when the event started in 2003 it was meant to bring people of different ages together. "It's important for our school to make connections to the senior population within our community," he said. "They have so much to offer our students through their life experiences."

The principal said over the course of the year the fifth graders get to do a wide variety of activities, so it was important to him to get the next oldest group involved in the community as well. "It has been a fantastic day for our students each year," he said. "All of the seniors involved had a great time."

Not only do the fourth graders look forward to the event every year, but Quinn said the third graders know it is something they can look forward to when they progress the following year.