June 10, 2016 at 6:10 p.m.
Crescent students rewarded for good behavior
Crescent students rewarded for good behavior
By Kayla Thomason-
Six students had perfect attendance. They are Aleece Johnson, kindergarten; Jeffrey Dupree III, first grade; Mya Gillen, first grade; Alexander Huempfner, second grade; Lexi Bishop, third grade; and Carson McGeshick, third grade.
Classroom teachers nominated students who followed the four Bs all year and a lucky boy and girl won brand new bikes and helmets.
"We used PBIS funds that were raised by our staff through our McTeacher Nights to purchase the bikes," said Kelly Huseby, Crescent Elementary School principal.
Pyper Zelechowski was surprised she won the girl's purple bike.
"I was like 'Oh my gosh I won?' because like last year I didn't but I stayed positive and I won it," she said.
Alexander Huempfner was stoked to win the bright green bike.
"(I was) really, really excited," he said with a laugh and huge grin. "It's my favorite (color)," he added.
Not only has Alexander been on his best behavior, he also has attendance. He said it's important to go to school every day.
"Math, I just love math," he said of his favorite subject.
Special volunteers Pam and Ted Howland, affectionately known as Grandma and Papa Howland, were thanked for their assistance with reading, celebrations, field trips and more.
The Howlands started helping out at the school in 2013 when their granddaughter, Jordon, was a first-grader in Tina Vannatter's classroom.
"From the first moment they spent in our classroom, Grandma's and Papa's abilities to interact and engage with myself and my students felt natural," Vannatter said. "They swiftly became everyone's grandparents. Students jump out of their seats to greet them and tell them the latest news, when they walk through the doorway."
The grandparents first lent a hand with holiday celebrations and field trips, which turned into volunteering three to four days a week and helping students read and write. The following year they returned.
"Imagine my joy when they agreed to come back the next year to both my classroom and Jordon's new, second-grade classroom," Vannatter said. "Since then I have relied on their patient wisdom and love of both children and education, to give my students the extra boost that only individual attention and love can give our little learners."
Not only do the Howlands make the trek from Tomahawk, they also look for books at rummage sales to donate to the school, make beautiful furniture out of wood and rejoice in the students' accomplishments.
"They are a much-needed model of what the love of family and community members can look and feel like for our students, as well as for ourselves," Huseby said.
The grandparents have also assisted other teachers in Crescent Elementary.
"Pam Howland has helped my first-graders in reading twice a week throughout the year," said teacher Wendy Deitz. "She takes a small group of students and listens to them read, guides them through word sorts and helps struggling writers write a complete sentence. The students are always excited to see her and will share important events in their lives. In turn, Pam makes each child feel special by giving her undivided attention to them."
Teacher Hilary Pekoc and her class has also had the pleasure of working with the couple.
"Grandpa Howland has helped my students with their reading, writing and math several times per week throughout this school year," she said. "We always look forward to his visits! I appreciate the way he calmly maintains our learning and behavior expectations, while consistently offering support and encouragement for student learning. Grandma and Grandpa are warm, caring individuals with lots of creative energy, who have enhanced our school environment in many ways. We owe them lots of hugs and thanks!"
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
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