A Surprise Visit from the Capitals: Third Graders at Belvedere Elementary Get a Special Treat
FALLS CHURCH, Va. – On a seemingly ordinary Wednesday afternoon, the atmosphere in Katie Veltri’s third-grade classroom at Belvedere Elementary School was charged with excitement. The 20 students, all dressed in vibrant red, were buzzing with curiosity about the mystery visitors they were expecting. Little did they know, their afternoon was about to become a memorable experience, thanks to two special guests from the Washington Capitals.
As the classroom door swung open, in walked Capitals forwards Dylan Strome and Hendrix Lapierre, bringing with them an air of enthusiasm that instantly captivated the young audience. The players were there as part of the Capitals’ community outreach initiative, Caps in Schools, which aims to foster a love for reading and learning among students while also promoting the sport of hockey.
Engaging with the Young Fans
For the next hour, Strome and Lapierre immersed themselves in the world of the third graders. They took turns reading chapters from the popular children’s book, "The Wild Robot," a story that intertwines themes of nature and technology, captivating the imaginations of the young listeners. The players also engaged in a lively Q&A session, where the students eagerly asked questions ranging from hockey strategies to personal interests.
“The kids were awesome,” Strome remarked after the visit. “We had a great time. They were very funny, very friendly. Very happy to see us. Lots of great questions about hockey.” The joy on the players’ faces was evident as they interacted with the children, who were thrilled to have their heroes in the classroom.
A Sweet Surprise
In addition to reading and answering questions, Strome and Lapierre brought along Halloween candy, adding a sweet touch to the afternoon. The players handed out treats, further endearing themselves to the students. The excitement in the room was palpable, with students beaming as they received autographs and shared their own stories about hockey fandom.
A Teacher’s Passion for the Capitals
Katie Veltri, a dedicated teacher and self-proclaimed Capitals superfan, played a pivotal role in bringing this event to fruition. She had seen an advertisement for the Caps in Schools program and decided to take a chance by applying. “I’m a huge Washington Capitals fan,” Veltri shared. “I follow them, so I just took a shot and applied.” Her enthusiasm for the team not only led to this special visit but also influenced her teaching methods.
Integrating Hockey into Learning
Veltri’s passion for the Capitals extends beyond fandom; she creatively incorporates hockey into her lessons, particularly in math. On the day of the visit, her students had been working on geometry, and she cleverly designed a math problem that featured angles related to Strome, Lapierre, and a hockey rink. “It makes it more engaging and fun for the kids,” Veltri explained. “I like to use all sports. They can relate to it.” This innovative approach not only makes learning enjoyable but also helps students connect with the material in a meaningful way.
The Impact of Community Engagement
The Caps in Schools program exemplifies how professional sports teams can positively impact their communities. By reaching out to local schools, the Capitals not only promote literacy but also inspire young fans to engage with the sport. The visit to Belvedere Elementary is just one of many initiatives aimed at fostering a love for reading and sports among children.
As the afternoon came to a close, the students left the classroom with smiles on their faces, clutching their signed memorabilia and sweet treats. The visit from Strome and Lapierre was more than just an event; it was a celebration of community, education, and the joy of hockey. For these third graders, the experience was a reminder of the magic that can happen when sports and education come together.