Alton Elementary School Welcomes Special Cardinals Visitors for Conversation about Belonging
Teamwork took center stage when Fredbird and Al Hrabosky visited North Elementary School. Learn why Principal Lisa Harris saw the Cardinals assembly as a fit for the school’s goals.
ALTON/GODFREY - Students in the Alton Community Unit School District #11 enjoyed a special visit from Fredbird and former Cardinals pitcher Al Hrabosky.
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On Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, North Elementary School students gathered in the gym for a presentation about taking care of themselves and others. Principal Lisa Harris noted that the Cardinals assembly was a fun way to share the school’s goals with students.
“One of our messages here at North is, we say, ‘One school, one family, one Redbird Nation,’” Harris said. “This program is about learning that everybody’s unique, but then we are a team, and that our adults can help us reach our goals. That just fits right into our message here at North.”
Using cues from Fredbird, the students learned how to be a good teammate, be active, be responsible, and be yourself. Hrabosky talked through each lesson while Fredbird demonstrated.
The students were excited to welcome the mascot and pitcher. Students and teachers wore their Cardinals gear. Many kids made Fredbird hats, and the best-decorated class won a prize at the end of the assembly. All the students were engaged and eager to learn.
“I think the best part of this for me is to just see them smile,” Harris said. “They’ve been so excited all week to see Fredbird. Just getting to see them have this moment is pretty special.”
Harris thanked teacher Ashley Thompson for organizing the Cardinals visit. She pointed out that all of the teachers and staff members are dedicated to helping the students learn. It’s important to them to build a “culture of belonging” at North Elementary School and throughout the district.
This idea was exemplified by Fredbird and Hrabosky’s visit, as they taught kids the importance of being good community members. Harris was pleased with the special assembly and eager to continue the school’s work of building up each student.
“We talk about how we are one big family here, and we just want our kids to belong and feel like they belong, even though everybody’s different,” Harris said. “We’re all a part of that. Teaching respect and safety and all the things that go along with that, just to build that family — we’re all one together.”
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