Ticonderoga Celebrates the Positive

Submitted by Nicole Egan, Site Coordinator - Dec. 2009

On Friday, November 20, Ticonderoga Elementary School held its first Sentinel Pride assembly. Nearly 400 purple and white clad children from pre-school to fifth grade danced into the cafetorium to the familiar "celebrate good times, c'mon," where "Sentinel of Ceremonies" Mr. Mike Edson, first grade teacher, welcomed them.

Focusing on the school-wide PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) expectations, Mr. Edson opened the celebration by reminding students how to attend the assembly safely...by keeping their hands to themselves, respectfully...by sitting quietly, and responsibly...by clapping when appropriate. Following the recitation of our School Pledge and singing of the Alma Mater, students who achieved Sentinel Honors status (90% and above in all subjects) and 100 Club (100% in all tests in one or more areas) were recognized for their hard work and stood to be applauded by their peers and teachers.

Following the academic recognition, Mr. Edson highlighted just a few of the ways students are helping support the community:

Grade 3 is conducting a food drive in partnership with the local Elks Club, providing food that will be distributed to needy local families during the holidays. In the past, the elementary school has been very generous, collecting as many as 70 bags of food for this cause (filling 4 or 5 pick-up truck beds!) This year, we hope to surpass this! Third grade will be treated to a home-cooked lunch at the Elks Club later in December to thank them for all of their hard work.

Second graders are collecting soda can tabs for the Shriners. These tabs are weighed and each pound is worth money donated to the Shriners' Children's Hospital. Over $300 from THOUSANDS of tabs was donated last year to this worthy cause. And this year, we are already well on our way to breaking last years record (365,850)!

Fourth graders recently donated the 70 knit baby caps made during recess and after-school time to Newborns in Need, Care Wear Volunteers, and Open Arms Pregnancy Center to be shared with moms and dads less fortunate than us. These caps were accompanied by a letter from each "knitter" and will keep newborns warm and help give them a healthy start in life.

We can’t forget the staff, who was also included in the celebration. For their dedication (and great role-modeling) teachers and support staff were applauded for:

Recognition in the publication 100 Industry Experts, a recent book published to honor professionals who make a difference (Mrs. Blanchard).
Efforts to raise money for a new playground (Mrs. Eicher, Mrs. Fingland, & Mrs. Young).
“Going the extra mile" to help kids (Mrs. Fahey, Mrs. Barber, Mr. Johns).

“Sentinel of Ceremonies” Mr. Edson ended the celebration by reinforcing students’ Sentinel Pride, recognizing them for their great assembly behavior and reminding everyone to “keep up the good work” by continuing to be safe, responsible, and respectful.

For information on these programs please contact Nicole Egan- 518-585-7400 ext 207, the Ticonderoga Site Coordinator.