North Gulfport Middle School throws socially distanced luau parade

School grounds throughout South Mississippi have been relatively quiet lately, but today there were plenty of good vibrations coming from North Gulfport Middle School.

- school grounds throughout south- mississippi have been - relatively quiet lately, but- today, there were plenty of goo- vibrations coming from north- gulfport middle school.

- news 25's grace boyles breaks i- all down for us.- - <nats>- it's been months since students- filled the classrooms here- at north gulfport middle school- but on thursday- teachers, faculty and staff - turned the campus grounds - into a parade route-- - - - <nats>- the guests of honor in this lua- procession the seventh - grade students wrapping up the- - - - school year jacklyn smith's- grandson was one of them.

- jacklyn smith, north gulfport - middle school grandparent: "i think it's great that - they want to get out and do - things like this-- spend their- time and energies to do - things.

The kids just don't - realize how nice it is and how- - - - they're taking their time."

The parade principal natasha - williams' idea clearly - honoring social distancing- guidelines but with a twist.- natasha williams, principal: "i was just thinking of a way to - - - - close out our school year and w- just decided because of social- distancing we were very limited- but - we do have our beautiful campus- here, so why not utilize the- space that- we have.

So we decided through- our pm car rider line that we - could do that.

And- i always love a luau, so i just- added a taste of luau to it."

And the opportunity for teacher- to say goodbye to their - students for the summer.- douglas reid, 7th grade history- teacher: "you know, you get to know these- kids.

You spend almost as much- time with them as you do your - own family.

And - so to say goodbye, to that- closure, you know, to give them- that push, that catalyst- to their next grade level.

It's- just encouraging."

Grace boyles, news 25: "despite the abrupt ending to the school- year due to - covid-19, faculty and students- hope to be back in the classroo- this fall.- douglas reid, 7th grade history- teacher: "well, this pandemic might have- closed the year.

It might have- ended it abruptly, but hopefull- we'll be able to come - back strong in the fall and - we'll power through and get - through that year.

And- it will be exciting to see what- happens.

Until then, we'll- motivate and- encourage from a distance."

In gulfport, grace boyles, news- 25.

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