By Crystal Hayduk
The Chelsea School District Board of Education recognized February’s Students of the Month at their meeting on Feb. 13, held at the Washington Street Education Center.
Teachers nominate Students of the Month when they consistently display qualities of the Portrait of a Graduate (POG), well-rounded students for the 21st century.
Kimberly Gillow, North Creek Elementary School principal, introduced Kenley Rehmann, daughter of Craig and Stacy. She was nominated by her first-grade teacher, Jennifer Tracht, for integrity, confidence, empathy, and problem solving.
Tracht said Kenley has a contagious passion for learning and life, and is both caring and smart, yet humble.
Kenley helps others without being asked, senses when others need an emotional lift, and is confident during class discussions and when helping others to solve problems.
Recently, Tracht witnessed Kenley and a group of classmates working in the school’s Maker Space. The group’s challenge was to build the tallest structure possible. “When the tower Kenley’s group was building fell over because a student bumped into it, Kenley was quick to make sure the group knew that she had actually bumped him so he wouldn’t have to take the blame,” said Tracht.
“Kenley continued to persevere and worked quickly with her group to problem solve the reconstruction. This interaction is symbolic of how Kenley shines in our school—always working hard, taking responsibility when necessary, and considering others before herself.”
Students like Kenley make Tracht confident in the next generation’s leaders to make the world a better place, she said.
South Meadows Elementary School Principal Stacie Battaglia presented Luke Vetter, son of Nick and Jen. He was nominated by his fifth-grade teacher, Andrea Bates for his general excellence and positive attitude.
Bates described Luke as an exemplary student who exhibits many POG qualities. He has demonstrated integrity when guest teachers have taught in the classroom. Luke shows grit when faced with academic challenges. He asks questions when dealing with a problem that helps him find several possible solutions. He is a leader in his peer groups and helps classmates stay focused on tasks. Luke helps and encourages all classmates, which makes them feel valued.
Luke’s fourth-grade teacher, Bethany Lucas, added her observations to the nomination. She said Luke is adaptable, civic-minded, and self-directed. He embraces new situations with a positive attitude. He is caring toward classmates and teachers, thinking about the well-being of others. “Each day I know I can count on a ‘Hi, Mrs. Lucas. How are you?’ from Luke and it warms my heart to see how his kindness and consideration of others have followed him into fifth grade,” said Lucas. In her classroom, Lucas counted on him to be a self-directed learner and active participant in class discussions and group work.
Along with his grit, empathy, and other POG competencies, Luke exemplifies a kind and positive student, said Battaglia.
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 1:54 to 9:20.
