(08/31/2023) Since the building opened in 2019, administrators at Brookside Elementary School in Ramsey have made sure to welcome back teachers with a fun event to energize them for the new school year. On Aug. 28, administrators at both Brookside and Hamilton Elementary School in Coon Rapids collaborated to bring in an award-winning educator and administrator to deliver a high-energy message to teachers.

Former Radio Disney Host and education influencer Chris Pombonyo was the guest speaker and his time with the teachers was spent focusing on how engagement can create positive outcomes in the classroom. Pombonyo spent the morning with teachers to provide examples and help generate ideas on how to actively engage students and make connections. 

As teachers arrived at Brookside they entered the cafeteria transformed by scenes from the movie “Back to the Future.” Brian Lansing, the in-arena host and DJ for the Minnesota Wild, had upbeat music playing, encouraging dance and movement. Pombonyo was then introduced as the surprise keynote speaker and provided his words of encouragement for the upcoming school year. View photos from the welcome back event. 

Pombonyo works with Get Your Teach On (GYTO), which is the originator of the Rock Your School event, which both schools participate in.