Jamie Wilkins, principal of Oak View Elementary School, has a favorite day of the school year. It is not the first day of school, or class party days, or even the last day of school. Wilkins, who is in his seventh year as principal at Oak View, looks forward every year to Veteran’s Day. His feelings are shared by fellow school Principal Caleb Miner, now serving in his fourth year at Perry Hill Elementary School.

Like many things in 2020, this year’s Veterans Day program will be a little different. “We want to make sure that we do something to recognize our vets every single year,” said Wilkins. “We were worried that we wouldn’t be able to make it happen this year because of safety issues. But we’ve come up with something that is safe for our students, and it’s safe for vets to take part in, too”

For many years, both elementary schools have celebrated Veterans Day with special programs on Nov. 11. The programs are devoted to providing recognition to veterans who share connections to the school students. Hundreds of people attend the events at both schools annually, with parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings and friends receiving recognition for their military service. Students normally sing patriotic songs, prepare banners, and write and deliver speeches to say “thanks” to the veterans, and acknowledge the sacrifices that veterans and their families have made.

“It’s important for our students to recognize the veterans because they have sacrificed so much for us. I feel it’s very important to provide recognition for those sacrifices, and to teach the kids how important this sacrifice is for our country,” said Wilkins.

Miner also feels the Veterans Day program is important for Perry Hill students. “It’s a way for us to say ‘thank you’ and a way to pay tribute. When we bring in real-life stuff, it stands out more for our kids. I think it makes teaching them the importance of saying thank you and showing gratitude come to life.”

Oak View School Treasurer Carrie Hyde was saddened at the thought of the Veteran’s Day program not taking place, and started thinking about what the school could do to continue the tradition. Oak View had staged a drive-by parade of teachers to close out the 2019-20 school year in the spring, driving through neighborhoods to wave at their students. Perry Hill students did a drive-by at the school, where their teachers lined the parking lot. Hyde took the drive-by concept and applied it to the Veterans Day program. Oak View and Perry Hill decided to work together to stage the drive-by salute and continue their Veterans Day tradition.

On Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 1:15-1:45 p.m., veterans are invited to drive by the students of both Oak View and Perry Hill schools, who will line the drive that the two schools share. The schools are located at 13119 Coldwater Road, north of Union Chapel Road. Veterans will turn into the school properties, and make an immediate right turn onto the driveway that loops around the two schools. Students will socially distance to wave at the veterans, and will have banners and signs to thank them for their service. Patriotic music will play for the drive-by parade.

“We have no idea what attendance will be,” said Miner. “Last year we had over 100 vets attend Perry Hill’s Veterans Day program, along with their families. This year, we heard from a student’s mom who works with veterans, and they are considering driving a bus full of vets by the schools.”

Wilkins noted that the staffs of both schools are looking forward to the event, as are the students. “We’ll have over 1,000 kids outside cheering for our veterans. We can do that, and still space out to maintain social distancing guidelines. Our kids will stay with their cohorts.”

The changes required this school year because of COVID-19 have been challenging for both principals. “We try to do things to show school unity,” said Wilkins, “but it’s very different this year because we can’t meet in large groups.” The school’s monthly student recognition program, Lion Luau, has transitioned to a recorded video shown in classrooms. Traditional events such as music programs, back-to-school night, book fair, movie nights, enrichment programs and other fundraising events have been cancelled.

“The best practices for maintaining health, like wearing masks and social distancing, are often the opposite of what’s best for kids,” said Miner. “We can’t share smiles or hugs. So we’ve learned that if we can’t do Plan A, we have to come up with what’s the best Plan B.”

Both principals lauded their staffs for the flexibility and creativity they have displayed during the school year. “One of the big things we’ve learned and enjoyed so far this year is utilizing our outdoor spaces,” said Wilkins. “We’re doing PE outside, music has been done outside, teachers are taking their classes outside to read and have snacks. That’s something I hope we’ll continue.”

At Perry Hill, new procedures for loading buses and lunchroom flow are in place because of the pandemic, and Miner likes the changes. “We’ve seen older kids helping the younger kids, and things are flowing more smoothly. These procedural changes have made things less chaotic and more organized.”

The use of technology has also made a difference for many teachers. “We’ve seen lots of innovation as teachers work together. They’re engaged more with technology, and with each other, as well. We’re seeing a lot of idea sharing,” said Wilkins.

The principals anticipate that the number of students attending school in person will increase for the school year’s second semester. “I think people are feeling more comfortable after seeing the procedures and protocols that are in place,” said Miner.

“I thought it was going to be a lot harder than it has been,” said Wilkins. “Preparing for the school year was hard, and the summer was really tough as we prepped everything. But it was the fear of the unknown. It still feels like school. We still get to see the kids’ bright eyes and shining faces and feel the excitement. The kids are happy to be back, and they’ve been great with everything we’ve asked of them. They’re wearing masks, sanitizing their hands and following the guidelines we’ve established. School feels a lot like before — we just have different timelines and protocols.”

As Veterans Day approaches, excitement is growing at both schools to continue their tradition. “The procedures might be different, but the sentiments expressed and the gratitude shown will be the same,” said Miner.

If there is inclement weather on Nov. 11, the Veterans Day drive-by parade will take place on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 1:15-1:45 p.m.