Holiday spirit connects students
Published 12:06 am Wednesday, December 14, 2016
- Lake Pontchartrain Elementary students Aaliyah McGuffy and Rodja’nell Smith glue ‘feathers’ on the turkey to keep him warm.
East St. John High School English IV students are connecting in a greater way with their school and community family thanks to a recent program centered on joint understanding.
The effort began with school counselors thanking 2016-17 seniors by pointing out how each of them contributes to ESJH, classmates, teachers, the community, parents and themselves.
Doris Francois enjoys lunch with granddaughter Bailey Brown, a fourth grade student at Fifth Ward Elementary during the school’s Thanksgiving meal with grandparents.
The activity started in English IV classes with students listening to the lyrics of “The Power of Dream” by Celine Dion.
After the video, counselors shared how each student makes a difference to the school family and honored each student by placing a wristband, imprinted with “Who I am makes a difference.”
Counselor Carol Mills said the activity helps students understand they will feel better themselves by showing compassion for others.
“Compassion turns ‘me’ into ‘we’ and in that, when we get outside our own problems with others and put ourselves into their shoes, we access understanding and then can better communicate to find solutions,” Mills said.
Students were instructed to run their finger over the words on the wristband when they are having a bad day to remind them they make a difference.
Students turn the wristband inward toward their heart if they have been bullied or embarrassed by someone to remind them how valuable they are. They can turn the wristband toward other people’s hearts if they are down or sad to remind them there is always someone who needs someone like them to make a difference.
Students were also asked to acknowledge people who have made a difference in their lives.
The East St. John High School activity was one of many recently celebrating thanksgiving and the holiday spirit throughout St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools.
Fifth Ward Elementary hosted the LaPlace Rotary Club, including special guest St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff Mike Tregre, while giving thanks for veterans on Veterans Day. The students learned about the origin of the American flag, as well as proper presentation and care. This information was presented in the form of a skit, performed by Rotary Club members.
“The Rotary Club helped to teach us how to be more patriotic,” student Reese Bogart said.
On Nov. 17, Fifth Ward Elementary celebrated and gave thanks for grandparents. Students got to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal with their grandparents.
“I enjoyed my meal and I enjoyed spending time with my grandchildren,” Darlisa Jasper, grandmother of Dae’Janique and Delvontae Jasper, said.
Students at Lake Pontchartrain Elementary worked on thankfulness as a character trait. Students added feathers to a turkey to keep it warm during the fall weather.
Students traced their hands and wrote what they are thankful for on each finger.
