The sweet smell of patriotism filled Springs School on Monday as the students recognized Veterans Day. Both active and former members of the military were invited to the school, where they were honored with a special Spirit Meet and a breakfast in Joan Branche’s third-grade classroom. As cars arrived at the school, they were greeted by a massive fire truck with a large American flag suspended from the top of the aerial ladder as well as a truck with a Coast Guard boat parked next to it to welcome the students, staff, and families.
The school “is my favorite place to be,” said Jeanette Caputo, an Army National Guard veteran and former Springs School student. “It brings back so many great memories.”
Mrs. Branche said the celebration “is important to me because my husband is a veteran and I understand their struggles.” She has organized this spirited event at the school for many years. “The veterans also love coming to the school to see all of the students.”
Eric Kelt, the Springs School principal, expressed his gratitude to her for helping put together the event and to the veterans for serving our country. “It’s an amazing feeling to have the opportunity to thank our veterans as a school. Mrs. Branche has hosted a very special Spirit Meet where our students and staff were able to give a very big thank-you to all who have served our country.”
On Oct. 27, Springs middle schoolers had their first dance of the year. The gym was decorated with fairy lights, fall backgrounds, and there was a balloon archway over the entry. There was pizza, water, cookies, popcorn, cupcakes, brownies, and more sweet treats, and a D.J. who played mostly pop, Latin music, and fun songs like “Cha Cha Slide.”
“It was good and a fun experience,” said Victoria Perez, a sixth grader. “It was my first dance and I loved it. I can’t wait for the other ones.”
The dance was made possible by the Springs School PTA and the teachers who chaperoned.
By Adrie Quinn, Grade 8,
and Abigail Amay, Grade 6