Family night brings energy and connection to Basswood Elementary School’s Kidstop program

Recently, Basswood Elementary School’s Kidstop program brought the excitement of March Madness forward with a family event that united students, staff and families for an evening of fun.

Following in the footsteps of Kidstop’s program at Fernbrook Elementary School, Basswood Elementary School’s Kidstop program added its own spin on a friendly basketball competition.

Before the game, in the cafeteria, students helped staff set up a pre-game experience for families, including a photo booth with props and opportunity to decorate headbands.

"The students did an awesome job on the photo booth art. They also had a great time helping to set it up,” said Pam Williams, Kidstop staff.  

The students had so much fun helping put everything together and seeing how well it went,” said Shylin Eichele, Kidstop staff.

This event was also the first time students and families at Basswood Elementary School were introduced to “Rocket,” the new Kidstop program mascot who greeted students and families in the cafeteria.

In the gym, families gathered along the sidelines to watch and cheer on students and adults taking the court for the basketball game. Staff served as referees and operated the scoreboard.

Basket after basket, cheers filled the gym from staff, students and families. The game highlighted Kidstop’s program pillars of teamwork, confidence and fun.

Through student leadership, family participation and strong sense of Community Education and school pride, Kidstop created a memorable, mission-driven event. 

“I saw a lot of our families smiling as they were leaving. Parents/caregivers made comments about how fun it was,” said Mary Wold, Kidstop staff.