After their initial debut last year, Cougars Care has become a big part of the community for Fallston’s three feeder elementary schools: Forest Lakes, Red Pump, and Youth’s Benefit. Each month, Cougars visit each of these three schools to welcome their students in the morning.
Once a month Cougars Care students welcome elementary schoolers with high fives, bubbles, and music, making their Friday mornings something to look forward to. “The little kids love it,” states Cougars Care leader, Mrs. Ryan. Each month they visit each of the three schools in hopes “to build the community of Fallston,” says Mrs. Ryan.
The program has been so well-received that it now includes end-of-quarter celebrations and involves the participation of each school’s mascot, making the experience even more memorable. “The kids freak out when they see Gar,” says Mrs. Ryan. Ally the Alligator, Dot the Dalmatian, and Leo the Lion join in and interact with Gar and the students, adding to their excitement.
“Having the little kids understand that these… big kids care about them makes their Friday mornings that much better,” Mrs. Ryan says adding, “The kids look forward to it. They start screaming when they’re on the bus.” The younger students’ excitement is palpable, with faces pressed against bus windows and screams of delight as they spot the older students.
The initiative doesn’t just benefit the younger students; it also provides our high school community with a sense of purpose and a broader perspective. “It’s a very unique experience. It definitely gives the high school kids a sense of the world being bigger than themselves and giving back to the community is way more impactful than they believe and that they think,” Mrs. Ryan reflects.
Schools like Aberdeen and Edgewood also have similar programs, but Fallston goes to all three feeder schools on a regular schedule. This commitment has created a unique bond between the high school students and elementary schoolers.
Officially started last year, Cougars Care has significantly impacted both the high school and elementary students. They first made their debut as a part of a one-time visit to the elementary school, but it has quickly become a well-known and well-loved part of Fallston’s community. With 40 people signed up this year, the program continues to grow.
Ultimately, Cougars Care is more than just a monthly visit—it’s about building a lasting sense of community, making a difference in the lives of both high school and elementary schoolers, and building a connection between age groups.
