Kidstop hosts “March Madness” Family Night at Fernbrook Elementary School

On March 18, students, families and staff gathered at Fernbrook Elementary School for an evening of fun and a friendly competition of basketball during the Kidstop program’s March Madness family event. 

The event transformed the school cafeteria and gym into a celebration of basketball-inspired activities for students and families. Among the favorites were a photo booth, opportunity to design a custom headband and fill out a bracket board before the game in the gym. 

The evening's highlight was a full court basketball game with parents and students joining together. Cheers filled the gym from the sidelines, court and benches. The Kidstop Cheer Club performed and kept the players and crowd energized. Kidstop ESP staff Paris Martin showcased their talent and sang the national anthem.

“I'm glad I can use my skill to contribute to our little Kidstop community,” said Martin. 

Family engagement events like March Madness help strengthen connections between school and home. 

Matt Anderson, a parent with children in Kidstop program shared a favorite thing about the event, “The first that comes to mind is that now we can put faces to names when the kids talking about their day and mention other kids names. Helps create a feeling of community the more people you know.” Anderson said. 

When asked what the best part about spending time with his kids, “Getting to see them interact with other friends that we have not met before,” said Anderson. 

After-school family events also give both students and family members the opportunity to show their leadership skills, talents and build community with others beyond the school day. 

“I think it made the kids AND adults step out of their comfort zone a bit in a fun and open/welcoming setting. Everyone was very encouraging of each other whether they were good at basketball or not which I thought was awesome. I also loved the dance team/cheer leader idea for the kids that maybe didn’t want to participate in the game. That would take more courage than anything to me! Overall a very cool event,” said Anderson.