Southdown School Quickly Adapts to Change
It really is amazing how quickly elementary school age children can adapt. The 448 students at Southdown Primary School have almost seamlessly fallen back into their classroom routines and are well on their way to learning an enriched body of knowledge this year.
"I could not be more pleased with the start of our new school year," Southdown Principal Michelle Marino said. "Arrival was extremely smooth and the children seemed genuinely happy to be back with their friends at Southdown."
Mrs. Marino pointed out that "there have been many changes at Southdown in preparation for this year, both structurally and in regard to welcoming new staff and our newest grade level – fourth!"
The veteran principal was referring to last July's decision by the Huntington School Board to split the district's fourth grade enrollment among the four primary buildings. "Our custodial staff did an amazing job of getting the building ready and my staff embraced the changes and created beautiful new teaching spaces that are welcoming and fun," Mrs. Marino said. "We're thrilled with our new teachers and aides who joined our team with the fourth grade. It's as though we've always been together!"
Across the district, the incoming fourth graders returned to the same buildings in which they finished up as third graders last June. "Having fourth grade in the Southdown building gives us many opportunities for peer support and it started on the very first day in the cafeteria," Mrs. Marino said. "Our new kindergarteners are often overwhelmed by the cafeteria experience. From opening their milk containers to knowing where to sit, everything is new. This year, our fourth graders are sharing their cafeteria time with the kindergartners and offering their support as 'K buddies.' It's a win-win!"
Mrs. Marino is a strong believer in the benefits of student-to-student mentoring. The cafeteria mentoring initiative fits perfectly into her philosophy. "The fourth graders are providing a wonderful service while making our youngest students feel embraced and supported," she said. "It's heart-warming to see the groups interacting together. I expect that there will be many more occasions that I'll call on the maturity of my fourth graders to help model the positive expectations that we celebrate at Southdown."