By Crystal Hayduk
The Chelsea School District Board of Education recognized November’s Students of the Month at its meeting on Nov. 6, held at the Washington Street Education Center.
Teachers nominate Students of the Month for their reliable display of Portrait of a Graduate (POG) qualities, which demonstrate they are well-rounded students for the 21st century.
Casey Wescott, principal of North Creek Elementary School (NC), introduced kindergarten student Emma Scott, daughter of Tayla and Jacob. Wescott thanked her family for sharing their children with the district, including Emma’s big brother, Liam, and younger brother, Drew, a future student.
Emma was nominated by Wescott and other NC staff, including teachers Kimmy Conn and Jennifer Haefner. They describe her as “…empathetic, kind, confident, self-directed, and a civic-minded leader.” She is a good friend to others and maintains a positive attitude.
Wescott said it is easy to recognize Emma’s gift for helping others. She brings joy to others as she connects with and spreads kindness to people she meets. “Her smile alone impacts the room, other people, and our school community,” he said.
Wescott said Emma makes NC a better place and staff members look forward to her continued impact in the coming years.
Stacie Battaglia, principal of South Meadows Elementary School (SM), introduced fifth-grade student Tyler Christofferson, son of Valerie and Andy. Five members of his extended family were also present.
Tyler was nominated by his teacher, Annie Bates, for his positive character. In her nomination, she said Tyler consistently acts with integrity. Through sharing creative ideas, including other students in groups, and leading others by example, he has shown himself to be an involved contributor. He values others by recognizing their ideas and uses communication skills to help them solve problems.
SM staff recently chose Tyler to serve on the new fifth grade student leadership team. He is one of 12 students chosen for their commitment to POG and for their civic-minded, confident, and self-directed behaviors.
Battaglia said she is proud to present Tyler with the Student of the Month award. “[Tyler has] truly continued to grow each year at South Meadows into a hard-working and positive leader. We look forward to seeing great things from [him] in the future,” she said.
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 is available to view on the district’s YouTube channel here. Student of the Month presentations run from timestamps of 2:49 to 9:45.