By Crystal Hayduk
The Chelsea School District Board of Education recognized April’s Students of the Month at its meeting on April 10, held at the Washington Street Education Center.
Students of the month receive nominations from their teachers for consistently displaying the qualities of the Portrait of a Graduate (POG), well-rounded students for the 21st century.
North Creek Elementary School Principal Kimberly Gillow introduced Logan Szcodronski, son of Joe and Cheri. He was nominated by North Creek staff for exhibiting problem-solving ability, increasing confidence, integrity, and empathy.
Kelly Ryan, Logan’s second-grade teacher, said his kindness to others makes him a wonderful part of the class. Among his POG strengths, he is a problem solver who tries to solve his own problems first before asking for help, which is often a difficult skill to acquire for children his age.
Ryan said Logan’s confidence has grown this school year, going from “quiet and timid” to a student who has “… bloomed … and continues to believe in himself and is realizing his own capabilities.”
Logan’s first-grade teacher, Emma Jones, said he notices both big and small things, such as “… friends’ feelings, classroom snack supplies, how to neaten up the room, and when his teacher needs a hug.” His ability to observe these things leads to practical problem solving that shows kindness.
Jones also noticed Logan’s growth in confidence in first grade, as he grew in friendships, writing skills, and speaking in front of class. She said he should be proud of his hard work, and she is eager to see his accomplishments in the future.
Gillow said Logan is hard-working and humble, and it has been a pleasure to be his principal.
Stacie Battaglia, South Meadows Elementary School principal, introduced Vivienne Greenhill, daughter of Dan and Brie. She was nominated by Kirsten Smart, her third-grade teacher, for her overall positive character.
Smart said Vivienne is an exceptional student whose POG strengths include integrity, empathy, advocacy, and grit. “She is a student who follows directions, acts with kindness, and does her best even when no one is looking,” said Smart. Smart called Vivienne a model to her classmates who has a bright future ahead of her.
Marie Larson, who taught Vivienne in second grade, said that she models daily behaviors that exhibit integrity, and is known by teachers and classmates as a student who “… always does the right thing and shows kindness to all.”
Vivienne is empathetic, inclusive of all classmates, and advocates for others, said Larson. “Vivienne also brings curiosity and determination in the classroom each day. It was an absolute joy to be her second-grade teacher,” she said.
Battaglia said Vivienne displays the POG attributes of integrity, empathy, and advocacy; and is a kind and positive student.
The board presented both students with certificates recognizing them for “consistent excellence portraying key competencies of the district’s Portrait of a Graduate.”
A videorecording of the meeting will be available to view for one month here. Student of the Month presentations run from timestamps of about 2:10 to 9:00.
