Southdown Primary School took a break from its usual daily routine to honor dozens of students and several special staff members during a festive outdoor ceremony.
Teacher Pamela Schwarting led the full-school assembly, which was held outdoors for the first time ever. “We focused on communication, saying hello in hallways and making eye contact with others,” Southdown Principal Scott Oshrin said. The 300 plus students in the building proved to be a receptive audience.
Southdown also honored its Stars of the Month with Splash Awards, which is only fitting since the school’s mascot is a dolphin. The youngsters were recognized for their overall effort and performance in classrooms and all around the building and grounds
Stars of the Month for April included:
Kindergarten: Abby Moreira Quintanilla, Stella Butkovich, Matthew Stensland, Leah Pawlowski, Tatum Lyon
First grade: Juliana Perotti, Jade Ingram, Krystal Hernandez
Second grade: Maylin Alfaro Perez, Victor Zavala, Aurelia Intonato
Third grade: Jason Thompson, Blake Tassie, Alexa Suazo Archaga, Alex Velasquez, Jackson Dickson
Stars of the Month for May included:
Kindergarten: Suleymi Alfaro, Daniel Froehlich, Amira Ingram, Karen Gregorio Cruz, Edith Stein
First grade: Sachelyn Portillo Anariba, Jeferson Lopez Sanchez, Angela Mayorga,
Second grade: Yostin Vanegas Rauda, Gianna Skrobela, Nicole Orrego Salinas
Third grade: Keysi Valencia Campos, Elias Caldwell, Jack Aversano, Anthony Zelaya Anariba, Jose Gonzalez Vallecillo
Faculty members Yanira Ventura (third grade dual language) and Valerie Murray (second grade) were also recognized during the assembly program. “Both are second year teachers who give so much of themselves to their students and colleagues,” Mr. Oshrin said. “They are both an incredible asset to Southdown.”