The teachers at Burton Street Elementary School are not only educating students in reading, writing and arithmetic; they are also teaching the children how to be good people.
On Tuesday, Nov. 29, at the elementary school, students celebrated “pride,” the first character trait in a five-part project on Character Education.
“This is the second year for this special way to focus on character education. We are using a surfing theme to stress ‘catching the wave.’ Students are intentionally ‘caught’ throughout the day by staff and recognized in a variety of ways,” said Pamela Rightmyre, a multi-age teacher at Burton Street and member of the Character Education Committee. “The entire K though 4 community is involved with each grade level claiming responsibility for kicking off each new trait at an assembly. This past month the third graders sung a song about pride. So far, we have celebrated pride and will continue with responsibility, honesty, caring and respect.”
During the assembly, more than 20 students received the “Hang Ten” award for showing pride in their classrooms. Their pictures were projected for all to see as they posed for their photo with Principal Mary-Ann MacIntosh and their certificates.
Music Teacher Victoria Johnson had taught all third-grade students a song about pride, which they all performed together. For each assembly, the presenting grade will sing a song relating to their specific trait.
Seven students were recognized for showing pride outside of school by receiving gold bracelets, naming them “Radical Wave Riders.” Two of those students, third-graders Daniel Lines and Julia Ketcham, also received the “Big Kahuna Award.” They were given special gold t-shirts and were invited to wear them to all future character education assemblies.
The students who received awards were nominated by community members and parents, who observed the children exhibiting pride.
For the next trait, responsibility, parents and community members are encouraged to send emails or letters, telling when they have noticed a Burton Street student showing responsibility, outside of school.
Nominations can be sent to [email protected], or the main office at the elementary school.
