Southdown Primary School honored its winter’s stars during a recent “Splash” assembly. Teachers recognized more than three dozen outstanding students who shined during December and
January.
The assembly also served an educational purpose as teacher Pamela Schwarting led a discussion on the importance of body language. “Specifically, when we are selected to work with other students in class, we need to be kind and welcoming,” Principal Scott Oshrin said. “We need to greet others the way we wish to be greeted.”
The recent assembly also saw a staff member honored and it even featured a cup stacking contest that saw fourth grader Jaipreet Singh challenge Mr. Oshrin before the gym packed with students and teachers and defeat the principal with a display of unique skill.
Teacher Colleen Simko was recognized for her daily efforts. She will now get to park in the spot usually reserved for the principal until the next Splash assembly.
“Colleen is always quick to assist her colleagues with anything they need,” Mr. Oshrin said. “She is truly an expert in the area of behavior management and meeting the needs of her students. She is an asset to Southdown and we’re very lucky to have her back this year!”
The “Splash” assembly draws its name from Southdown’s mascot; the dolphin. Students are awarded “splashes” for displaying positive behavior in the classroom and around the building, including being kind to others, demonstrating proper behavior in hallways and even lifting the spirits of someone feeling a little bit down.
One Southdown student is selected monthly from every class in the building for formal recognition at the “splash” assembly. The school considers these youngsters to be its stars of the month.
Southdown’s Stars of the Month for December include:
Kindergarten: Emma Aversano, Adrian Buscemi, Harrison Jennings; First grade: Andrea Lopez, Norah Golden, Shea Monge; Second grade: Elias Caldwell, Maximilian Schmitz, Henry Fox, Rocco Caruso, Sharon Hernandez Blanco; Third grade: Jack Steinberg, Alice Hammerquist, Madyn Kalb, Ethan Meza Arevalo; Fourth grade: Brandon Bonilla, Emely Herrera Rivas, Jaipreet Singh.
January’s Stars of the Month include:
Kindergarten: Valentina Balbo, Michael Buscemi, Juliana Perotti; First grade: Abigail Jessie, Johhan Reyes, Emily McCarthy; Second grade: Hailey Collins, Keysi Valencia Campos, Emma Barch, Brayan Ruiz Contreras, Blake Tassie; Third grade: Kailyn Hanna, Jesus Menor Vazquez, Jonathan Contreras, William Bratton; Fourth grade: Dana Saramago, Josue Campos Torres, Emma Polinsky.
Students are already working to accumulate enough “splashes” between now and the next assembly so they join the list of honorees.
