CJ's Eagle Pride Art Show
Go Eagles!
Why is this art show more than an art show?
Meeting C.J. - An Idea is Born
Skin in the Game
Fast forward to back to school night. The energy level was high and the halls were buzzing with excitement. C,J. and his mom approached me and C.J., with a little more confidence, handed me a list of ideas numbered 1-10 on refrigerator "to-do list" stationary. I quickly and excitedly hurried him off to the copier where we made a copies for his teachers. After school started and the proverbial dust had settled we called a special meeting that included CJ, at the head of the table, his teacher Ms. Harrison, Mrs. Hare, Mr. Debnam, Mrs. Lodge, and myself. The team worked together to work out the art contest details to fit C.J.'s vision. In this conversation Mrs. Hare stated that many art shows have a "theme." The team discussed a theme that would fit kicking off a new school year. The team chose EAGLE PRIDE!
The Big Picture
As soon as the team agreed to the theme "Eagle Pride" I knew that C.J.'s idea had the potential to go beyond just being another event and could offer a vehicle to positively impact the "problem areas" you identified in our Kitchen Table Talks, specifically student behavior. Increasing "School pride" will support decreased behavior problems and increased achievement. Why? EVERYONE wants to BELONG. Kids join gangs because that's where they feel welcome, needed, and connected. Kids who join and connect to clubs, sports, band, and the like in middle school and high school are more likely to be successful in school. I venture to guess that every adult in our building belongs to some type of formal group. Maybe your group that you belong to is a fantasy sports league, church, Rotary, book club, coffee club, PLC, fraternity, or any one of millions of like minded individual groups. Being a member does not translate to "belonging." I am referring to a "belonging" that reflects a connection with that group of individuals that makes you more like family than just members. There is a bond because of your commitment to the organization. East is many of our kids place to belong.
Learning about school pride has to be taught AND experienced. You can watch a NASCAR race on TV as a fan and have pride in your race team, but your level of commitment to the team and pride enhances when you can experience the race. When you can go to the race and feel your whole core shake from the engines, smell the burning rubber as the cars hug the curves on the track and see, and sometimes feel, the chicken wings flying down the stands.
Our students will be creating a piece of art that will communicate their "Eagle Pride."
CJ's Art Show will culminate with a "Eagle Pride Pep Rally" where I want them to EXPERIENCE Eagle Pride!!!
Voting
Parents will be able to come in to view student art and vote on Thursday, September 25th from 10:00-11:30 and 2:00-4:00.
K-1 Eagle Pride Pep Rally (TOP SECRET ---- DO NOT TELL STUDENTS THE DETAILS)
Mr. Ferguson will say a few things about school pride and how I specifically want K-1 students to show their pride for their school.
Emcees will facilitate.
Monroe High School Cheerleaders and the Monroe High School Hawk mascot will lead some cheers. The new East Elementary School MASCOT will be introduced! SHHHH!
EES School Pride Pledge Song and gestures will be be introduced and performed by students and staff. SHHHHH!
Fun songs on youtube with gestures will be played if time allows.
*Staff - All staff are encouraged to show their school spirit by wearing their personal school colors (Alma Mater School Spirit) and jeans on October 3rd. For example, I will wear either a UNCC shirt, Winthrop shirt, or UNCC colors, or Winthrop colors. If you can wear spirit wear from your Alma Mater that is the best option. We want to create conversations about colleges with our students. I will be sending out a Google form for you to report your school to me. I will be using this information in my part of the presentation.
***STAR behavior ---while showing school spirit is a must. Please prepare your students to model how they can use their manners even while getting their school pride on. ***
2-5 Eagle Pride Pep Rally (TOP SECRET ---- DO NOT TELL STUDENTS THE DETAILS)
Students will enter from the exterior doors by the road.
Mr. Ferguson will say a few things about school pride and how he specifically wants 2-5 students to show their pride for their school. Announce CJ's Eagle Pride Art Contest Winners. Special thank you to CJ and recognize his family.
Emcees will faciliate.
Monroe High School Cheerleaders and the Monroe High School Hawk and the new EES Eagle Mascot will be introduced and lead/participate in PEP rally.
EES School Pride Pledge Song and gestures will be introduced and performed by students and staff.
*Staff - All staff are encouraged to show their school spirit by wearing their personal school colors (Alma Mater School Spirit) and jeans on October 3rd. For example, I will wear either a UNCC shirt, Winthrop shirt, UNCC colors, or Winthrop colors. If you can wear spirit wear from your Alma Mater that is the best option. We want to create conversations about colleges with our students. I will be sending out a Google form for you to report your school to me. I will be using this information in my part of the presentation.
***STAR behavior ---while showing school spirit is a must. Please prepare your students to model how they can use their manners even while getting their school pride on. ***
NEXT STEPS for TEACHERS
2. Consider teaching students how to greet Dr. Ellis or a board member...firm handshake, introduction...etc. if they were approached by her or them.
3. Review rules for assemblies.
4. Dig out your Alma Mater shirt!!!
5. Consider pulling up your Alma Mater on the smart board during Morning Meeting and showing the students where you went to school and explain how college life works.
6. Get excited. You will be recognized for being an amazing Eagle teacher...so get pumped up! It's a great day to be an East Elementary School Eagle.
DESIRED OUTCOMES
2. Celebrate student art work and diversity of expression.
3. Model school spirit/school pride.
4. Connect students to Monroe High School (Cheerleaders and Hawk) and the University level (Alma Mater spirit wear and Morning Meeting discussion)
5. Enhance school pride.
6. Celebrate our teachers as high quality members of out organization and one of the biggest reasons for us to have big school pride.
7. Introduce school pledge put to a popular song.
8. Introduce school mascot.
9. Enhance our students sense of belonging at East Elementary.
10. HAVE FUN!