Springs School had exciting events leading up to Thanksgiving. For example, the sixth graders gave gifts of gratitude to a school staff member who made a positive impact in their lives. Some kids gave gratitude gifts to teachers while others gave them to custodians, nurses, and lunch monitors. In addition to giving gifts of green tea and dark chocolate, sixth graders wrote specific reasons why they are grateful to that person. Then they hand-delivered their gifts and said a kind word to their special person. One student, Siena Dion, wrote to her former kindergarten teacher, Patricia Hicks. “I wrote to Mrs. Hicks because she gave me her time to interview her for an article I was writing for Journalism Club.”
Danielle Hamilton, a sixth grade English teacher who is also the club adviser, said she decided to do this project because “it’s a nice way for students to reflect on the support and love they have experienced in our wonderful school.” Mrs. Hamilton also commented on how calm and peaceful the atmosphere was in her classroom after the gifts were delivered. “The students felt good making someone’s day, which made them feel good. It was a win-win.”
On Monday, the school had its ninth annual Turkey Trot. Technically it is a race, though the usual competitive pressure is not enforced. Regardless, there were winners for grades kindergarten through third grade and for fourth through eighth grade.
In the younger group, the winners were Luke Cinelli and Mackenna Amicucci. The winners in the older group were Jasper Samuelson and Danett Gonzalez. Students chose to walk, run, or do both. The course for the younger students is a mile; the course for the older students is a mile and a half.
Monique Sullivan, a second-grade teacher, was the chairwoman for the Turkey Trot this year. This event benefits the school by raising money that goes directly to field trips. This year, it raised about $25,000 and counting. The goal is $30,000.
“The Turkey Trot was fun because I got to run and get rid of some of my energy,” said Britney Pesantez, a student at Springs.
Gabriela Alvarado, 8th grade, and Sienna Dion and Britney Pesantez, 6th grade