By Crystal Hayduk
Two elementary students were introduced at the Chelsea School District Board of Education meeting on Nov. 7 for being chosen as November’s Students of the Month.
Students of the Month are nominated by teachers for their demonstration of qualities of the Portrait of a Graduate (POG), well-rounded students for the 21st century.
North Creek Elementary School Principal Kimberly Gillow presented Mara Palmer, daughter of Joe and Rebecca Palmer. She was nominated by Kelly Ryan, her second-grade teacher, for social and academic excellence during the past month.
Ryan said Mara arrives at school ready to learn every day. She is kind, safe, and respectful; and exhibits integrity. “She shows confidence in her beliefs and capabilities both academically and socially,” said Ryan.
First-grade teacher Kelsey Zagata agrees that Mara is a model of the balanced POG student. “She is kind, funny, a problem solver, and wise beyond her years,” said Zagata. Mara works well with other students and “fills the bucket of anyone she comes in contact with.”
Gina Horsburgh, Mara’s kindergarten teacher, said Mara exhibits grit, confidence, and adaptability daily. Horsburgh remembers Mara as a student who didn’t give up when something was challenging.
“We, the North Creek staff, are so very proud of Mara, because she exemplifies the attributes of grit, confidence, integrity, adaptability, and problem solving,” said Gillow.
Stacie Battaglia, principal of South Meadows Elementary School, presented Enzo Buffamonte, son of Thomas and Anna Buffamonte. He was nominated by Jenni Linde, his fifth-grade teacher, for overall excellence. Based on conversations with Enzo’s former teachers, Battaglia determined he has demonstrated excellence not only during this school year, but throughout his previous years, as well.
Linde said Enzo is an outstanding role model. He is self-directed, civic-minded, advocates for himself and others, and shows grit. Through his words and actions in caring for all students, he is a classroom leader. “Enzo knows what it is like to both have things come easy to him and to struggle, and has a true ability to display grit through tough times,” she said. “What amazes me most is when Enzo excels at something, he doesn’t leave his peers behind. He is so civic-minded that he guides others along who are in need. … [He] already exhibits many Portrait of a Graduate competencies and his future is bright.”
Andrea Bavineau, a teacher who has worked with Enzo for the last three years, said Enzo has never allowed a challenge to overshadow his confidence and adaptability. “He has the ability to set goals for himself, follow through on them, and reflect on their outcomes,” she said.
“Enzo exemplifies the attributes of grit, advocacy, self-direction, civic-mindedness, and more,” said Battaglia. “He also exudes our building principles of respect, responsibility, and kindness. I am beyond proud to present him as South Meadows’ first Student of the Month.”
The board presented both students with certificates of recognition for portraying key competencies of the Portrait of a Graduate.
A videorecording of the meeting will be available to view until about Dec. 7 here. The Student of the Month presentations run from time stamps of about 1:45 to 10:00.
Correction: In October, it was reported that one student from each school will be honored as Student of the Month every month. However, there will be two students honored each month, not four. Secondary students and elementary students will be honored in alternating months. (Related story here.)
