Bring Your Child to School Day Fosters Deeper Connection Between Students and Staff

The second-annual Bring Your Child to School Day brought over two dozen children to campus on May 29th, an experience that students–big and small–won’t forget.

Elliana Obolewicz ’27 and Addison Bushka ’27 • June 2, 2026

WOODBURY — For Nonnewaug High School, Friday, May 29th was a not so average day for students and staff alike. The presence of younger kids filled the classrooms and hallways, creating an event like no other: bring your child to school day.

“Bring your kid to school day adds to the community feel,” said Marisa Christoff, NHS dean of students and social studies faculty member, who brought her daughter to campus. “Students get to know the teachers a little bit better by meeting their children, and then teachers feel closer because our children are hanging out with students for the day, so it really builds more community.”

Not only does this event bring the community together as a whole but it also connects students and their teachers on a more personal level.

“I am always excited to bring [my daughter] Celia, this year will be her third time coming,” said mom and English teacher Marissa Holtman. “Celia enjoys spending time with the older kids, and being in a different setting than her own school. She gets the kick out of seeing me, her mom, in a different, in her teacher role, using her teacher voice.”

For junior Greta Addeo, she finds this day full of little kids running around fosters an exciting and lighthearted environment.

“I love bring your kid to school day,” said Addeo. “It makes the day so much more interesting and fun because getting to hang out with your teacher’s kid is a blast. I always look forward to seeing Diego, Mrs. Aseltine’s kid.”

Many students enjoy the opportunity to relax and have fun toward the end of the school year, with some classes even creating activities for the younger kids to enjoy.

“It was so fun, but also very chaotic,” said sophomore Jillian Bushka, who took part in creating a fun environment for the kids in her AP Seminar class. “All the kids went to Mrs. McKay’s room during my class period and we made games and stuff for them, which was fun, because we got a break from doing work.”

These new faces seen around the day also help students be relieved of the exam week pressures.

“It adds a little bit of fun to our day, especially when everyone is preparing for finals,” said junior Max Nichols. “With the kids being involved in our classes it brings a different aspect into our days, even if that means getting a little side tracked.”

Bring your kid to school day ultimately provides a new way of connection and unity among the Nonnewaug High School community.

About the Contributors

Elliana Obolewicz ’27, Junior Editor

Elliana Obolewicz is a junior at Nonnewaug who writes and edits for the NHS Chief Advocate. As an athlete at NHS, she plays both soccer and basketball. She lives in Woodbury and loves to write about sports, school events, and the community.

Addison Bushka ’27, Deputy Editor-in-Chief

Addison Bushka is a junior at Nonnewaug High School who writes for the NHS Chief Advocate as the Deputy Editor-in-Chief. This is her third year in journalism, returning to continue her passion for writing and telling a story. She enjoys writing about sports, school events, and the community. When not writing for the Chief Advocate, she plays soccer and runs track for Nonnewaug.