Current Issue
Education Blackboard — March 11, 2010
SCHOOL BEAT
In three words
by BOB SIEGEL, Principal
Valley View Elementary
Most of the good things that happen at Valley View Elementary School are not my ideas! That may seem like a startling admission for a principal to make, but it’s humbly true. We are blessed to have many talented, bright and creative staff members and parents who are always coming up with new programs and projects that make our school family even better. I’ve learned to “get out of the way” of a powerful idea and lend support!
I was approached by a Valley View parent, Michelle Corey, to consider doing a Valley View project based upon the “In Three Words” piece done frequently on the Good Morning America television show. Michelle sent me a video clip from one of the shows as a starting point. Various individuals or groups of people show three words that capture the essence of their lives in many creative ways. For example, a new mother holding her baby holds a sign: “New Baby Born!”
Michelle presented the idea to “Team Valley View” at a faculty meeting, and the project was completely embraced by our entire staff. For the past two weeks, Michelle has been filming every possible group at Valley View doing their “In Three Words” piece. The end product will be a “gift” to our departing fifth-graders and their parents, and the sale of the “In Three Words” CD to Valley View families will be a fundraiser as well.
It’s been fun watching all of the various groups at Valley View buy into the concept and develop their three words. Everyone from the classroom teachers, to our cook, to the PTO Board, to our bus drivers were involved and did an “In Three Words” taping.
In the process of preparing for their piece of the video, I have watched students spend time with their teachers discussing what three words they want to use to represent and reflect their classroom family—their “motto,” so to speak. The discussion about which three words to use has been powerful!
Some examples of the “In Three Words:”
• bus drivers: “Drive Precious Cargo!”
• our secretaries Jo Beier and Wendy Carlson: “Different Every Day!”
• a fifth-grade classroom: “Return with Honor!”
“In Three Words”—what a simple concept, and yet profound in so many ways! I’ve always been struck by how the most powerful things in life are NOT complicated. Trying to capture what is the essence of your work—developing a philosophical statement—in just three words is extremely thought-provoking, and lends itself to defining what IS important!
So what might your three words be? I’m sure you’ve been asking yourself through the course of reading this piece what mine were—that’s simple: “Lead With Love!”
Rockford grads named to Deans Lists
Marie Elizabeth Albano of Rockford was named to the Niagara University academic Dean’s List for the fall 2009 semester. To qualify, students must attain a 3.25 academic grade-point average for the semester.
Rockford High School graduates are also among those earning a place on Alma College’s Dean’s List during the 2009 fall term. Students who achieve a 3.5 or better grade-point average during a term, while carrying a minimum of 13 credits, at least eight of which are evaluative grades, are named to the Dean’s List. Sophomores Christopher Welcher of Ada and Eric Borgeld of Belmont, and freshman Jennifer Pearson of Belmont all earned this academic honor.
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History comes to life at Valley View museum
Valley View Elementary was home to approximately 100 “Famous Americans” recently as they held their very first Wax Museum. Amelia Earhart, Albert Einstein, and even Walt Disney were in attendence. All
Valley View’s “famous Americans” enjoyed a day of living history.
fifth grade students were required to become their character, complete with costume, make-up, props and background as part of a school project which doubled as a fundraiser for their end of the year field trip. Coin boxes and tip jars were decorated to match their theme and the characters came to life when they heard the clink of money hit the bottom of their jar. Each prepared an interesting two minute speech and many of the kids found parallels with their famous person that they would not have learning about them in a history book.
Justin Jacobs and Alex Searl in their character costumes.
Dan Derksen had done this project at a past school and brought the idea to Valley View. He felt the kids would get much more out of learning about these amazing people in this way, and that it was a great way to get parents involved as well. Packed to the brim, the Valley View halls and gym gleemed with proud parents and smiling kids. It was a night to be remembered and hopefully repeated next year. Thanks for your hard work fifth graders.
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Crestwood Elementary’s Amanda Eslinger: an Example in Excellence
Known for her sunny smile and willingness to give
Amanda Eslinger, 10, is the daughter of Paul and Robin Eslinger and sister to Brianna. Amanda is known as a responsible person who sets high standards for herself.
Teachers at Crestwood Elementary School say that Amanda regularly goes out of her way to make a difference
in the lives of other students. She is quick to lend a hand when she notices someone who needs help, and is known for her caring attitude. A friendly student, Amanda is well liked by her peers and teachers.
Amanda volunteers her time at Crash’s Landing, a no-kill cat shelter. She spends six to nine hours each month helping to care for the pets there, feeding and watering the animals, or cleaning cages. She also enjoys giving loving attention to the cats until they find their new home.
Amanda strives to do her personal best in the activities she undertakes. Her sunny smile is well known at school and at home. Her determination to succeed is shown by her academic achievement. She has reached the Platinum level in Accelerated Reading, and was elected to student council in fifth grade.
A well-rounded student, Amanda also enjoys cheerleading, gymnastics, reading and playing games on her Nintendo DS. She is a member of the Rocket cheer team and also loves to ride her bike. Amanda attends Northlawn United Methodist Church. This positive and exceptional young woman is an Example in Excellence in all she does.
Examples in Excellence is a joint effort of Rockford Public School, Douglas Photography and The Rockford Squire newspaper. Students are chosen annually from each school in the district for their qualities of character and williness to help others.
Students are recognized at a ceremony each spring and throughout the year with a display of their portraits and biographies in the school administration office.
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In giving to others, you get back
by KATY VANCUREN, Assistant Principal
Rockford High School
During the holiday season, I always am in the mood to give. I give to local charities, donate to my church, even answer the telemarketers’ calls and donate to an organization from time to time. But after watching the movie “The Blindside” recently, I started to wonder, “Why not make a bigger effort to give year ‘round?”
Believe me, I am just like you! I don’t have extra money or time, but I do have other things that are valuable to others in need. I have a smile, a kind heart and words to share. I have nice stationary to jot a friend a note of appreciation. I have time to pick up the phone and catch up with an old friend. Despite all the things I don’t have, I still have a lot to give.
“The Blindside” really touched me and, if you haven’t seen the movie, I highly recommend it. It speaks about companionate hearts, a giving spirit, and perhaps most of all, making a difference in the life of another. We all have this ability to give, but sometimes our lives get so busy that time goes by and our intentions get lost.
Giving is certainly something I hope to instill in my children as well. Once a year I have the kids go through their closets and drawers so that we can donate clothing. A few other ideas are:
• sporting equipment—Encourage children to pass last season’s athletic gear to Sports Gift (sportsgift.org), which will distribute it to kids in need.
• school supplies—If your child has extra books, markers, or other items, you can find teachers who need them at iloveschools.com, a nonprofit that connects donors with teachers in U.S. classrooms.
• DVDs—Send movies that haven’t been watched in a while to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan through AMVETS Task Force DVDE (amvets.org/taskforcedvd). Children’s titles go to families of soldiers.
• cell phones—When your kids or you upgrade, check out recyclewirelessphones.com to locate programs that recycle or refurbish old phones, then donate proceeds to various charities.
There are many local and national organizations that are looking for volunteers, goods and money. Reach out to them—make it a family event so that everyone gets the experience of helping others. The best part about giving is the feeling it leaves you with. Do what you can, when you can. Making the difference in the lives of others is a rewarding experience for everyone involved.
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Young, Bowen named to Dean’s Lists
Adam Young, a 2007 Rockford High School graduate, has again made the Dean’s List at Jacksonville University (JU) for the fall 2009 semester. Additionally, he has been hired by Delta Academy as a certified flight instructor at JU. With less than a year of school, Young will graduate with a BA in aviation management. As a flight instructor, he is able to log hours of required flight time with anticipation of being hired by a commercial airline as a pilot. Proud parents are Ken and Shirley Young of Rockford.
Austin Bowen
Austin Bowen, son of Mark and Lynn Bowen and a 2007 graduate of Rockford High School, is on the Michigan State University Dean’s List. He achieved a 4.0 grade-point average for the 2009 fall semester.
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