Creating Relationships One Lunch at a Time
Posted On September 30, 2026
At Clearspring Elementary School, building a strong sense of belonging starts with relationships.
Principal Jessica Bay Graber starts the year by inviting every student to a special lunch with a trusted adult in the building. From paraeducators to school psychologists, staff members invite students to join them for a lunch bunch, creating an opportunity to connect with an adult who knows and supports them.
The goal is simple: Make sure every student has a trusted adult at school who knows them, supports them and helps them feel connected.
“By doing this, all students had a special lunch bunch within the first month of school,” said Graber. “We will do this a few times throughout the year with the same students to build that relationship over time.”
Clearspring is also creating opportunities for students to connect with peers they might not otherwise work with through its monthly Husky Huddles. Students across each grade come together in interest-based groups led by staff, with activities ranging from STEM and board games to nature, crafts and musical theater.
The activities give students opportunities to try something new, collaborate with different classmates and create something together, all while strengthening connections across the school community.
For Clearspring, these intentional opportunities are part of creating a school where every student feels a sense of belonging and knows they are an important part of the Husky community.
