Winning a Splash Award at Southdown Primary School is a big deal. After all, the school’s mascot is a dolphin, an aquatic mammal that’s known to saturate those nearby with water from all their flipping around. Ever see the 1960’s television show, Flipper?
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.
October’s award recipients include:
Kindergarten: Landon Pacifico-Czerniecki, Eliza Alvarado, Matthew Stensland, Juliet Grijalva de la Cruz and Benito Delgado, III; First grade: Abner Villeda Velasquez - Mrs. Hartough, Angel Contreras Rodriguez and Maxwell Dickson; Second grade: Lyla Monge, Emily McCarthy and Jackeline Martinez Martinez; Third grade: Mea Andrea, Julianna Miranda, Sofia Jimenez-Contreras, David Beltran and Emma Barch.
Southdown Primary School Principal Scott Oshrin.
A pair of staff members were also recognized with awards. Southdown night custodians Allek Hendrickson and Chris Cafiero were honored. “Allek and Chris go above and beyond for the teachers, students and PTA,” Mr. Oshrin said. “The idea to celebrate our nighttime superheroes came from PTA president Devon Perotti. When the suggestion was made I was in full agreement. Allek and Chris give so much of themselves to the PTA to make sure all events run perfectly. We are thankful for their dedication to our school community.”
The crowd filling the gymnasium gave each of the honorees a loud round of applause. The October stars gathered together for a commemorative group photo with Principal Scott Oshrin.
The assembly program saw teacher Pamela Schwarting discussing recess, hallway and lunch time behavioral expectations with students. There was also a segment during which students riding on Van 639 were recognized for outstanding bus behavior. They will receive some type of a reward from Mr. Oshrin.
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.