Submitted by Dr. Stephen Waigand, Principal, Rock Port Elementary
December is upon us and holiday cheer is on display throughout our hallways! Our Energy Bus Principle this month is “Fuel Your Ride with Positive Energy.” At our most recent assembly we discussed the importance of fueling our minds with positive thoughts, words, and actions. When we serve others, we energize ourselves at the same time. We recognized some amazing sixth and third grade students who are helping serve our preschool, kindergarten, and first grade friends. In addition, we honored Glenn Cohn for serving as a crossing guard on Main Street before and after school. This month we are challenging students to find ways to serve and support others.
Community members and organizations continue to be an integral part of our school success. Our local law enforcement has teamed up with the school again this year for Shop with a Cop. The program provides families with financial support and transportation if needed to shop this holiday season. This year more than 30 kids will be positively impacted by this program, one that would not be possible without the generous support of our community members.
Our community reading volunteers program is starting back up, yet hopefully another sign of a return to some normalcy. Reading volunteers come in once a week in the morning to read to students. The students enjoy this time with a caring adult and a good book. As a school, we have set a goal to reach 9,500 Accelerated Reader points. A trip to the movie theater in Auburn is the destination if we meet our goal. Every book read helps us get closer to our goal.
Students and staff in our special education department hosted a Thanksgiving feast for their families on November 22. Students planned the menu, created a shopping list and invitations, went shopping at Food Country for supplies, and prepared the tables for the feast. It was an amazing, real-world learning experience from start to finish. A big thanks to our special education staff for helping coordinate this special event and to all the family members in attendance!
Our Blue Jay Shop is back again this year! Donated items are collected throughout the year and set up in a store-type display. Students have an opportunity to shop for family members, wrap the gifts, and experience the true joy of “giving” this holiday season. I’m sure many of you reading this will be the beneficiary of said gifts. Thank you for your support; the students enjoy being able to shop for loved ones.
A busy next couple of weeks as we wrap up the first semester. Upcoming schedule includes: Preschool and K-3 music programs (December 15), Frozen Friday (December 16), school in session (Monday, December 19), and end of second quarter/first semester with an early dismissal (December 21). Merry Christmas to all our students, staff, and families throughout Blue Jay Nation. 2023 is right around the corner! Stay connected in the new year with daily classroom events and school updates on Twitter @RPBluejays. As always we strive to . . .
Love all our Passengers
Serve their academic needs
Care for the whole child
Every Student, Every Day
