Lima City Schools hold open houses to prepare for school year

LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) - Lima City Schools held open houses Tuesday to give families a preview of the school year and introduce them to their teachers. 

Independence Elementary invited children from pre-K to fourth grade to get a head start on their school year. Parents could bring in supplies, sign up to help with school programs and meet the teachers.  

Principal Kelli Lee said the open house helped establish connections between families and staff and helps them kick off the school year with a fresh mind. 

"It's just that connection to be able to meet the teacher, sign up for anything that's needed in the classroom and let us know how they're coming to school and how they're going home," said Lee. 

"It kicks off the year for them to start tomorrow with a clean slate. They can come in by themselves then move into classrooms and get started."

Lee added that Independence is taking steps to increase attendance, with a goal of 95% attendance from every student at the end of the year. 

"Attendance is imperative for academic achievement," said Lee. "The other thing that's great about them being here is that they're forming relationships not only with us as staff members, but also their peers."

The school will hold field trips and parties for students who meet the attendance goal.