COSHOCTON – Coshocton Elementary School’s cafeteria was a sea of red during the fifth and sixth graders Christmas program on Dec. 20.
“I don’t know if you guys noticed, but either we all have good style or we are all wearing the same shirt,” said Shannon Folkert, who teaches music at the school. “We’ve been talking a lot about positive behavior and being a light and you guys are doing such a great job that someone out there noticed the difference and wanted to give you these shirts as a gift.”
Due to the generosity of an anonymous donor and the kindness of the PTO, all 850 students received a red shirt reminding them to be a light in their classroom, the school and in the community. They also encouraged them to be a leader, imaginative, giving, helpful and trustworthy, which are all traits the staff has been working on through their Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports program.
“The idea is that if kids behave positively than everybody can learn,” said Laura Grogro, guidance counselor at the school. “It helps to reduce the discipline and disruptions.”
Folkert said the unified arts team is responsible for presenting a positive lesson each week and each month focuses on a different character trait.
“I’ve really noticed that our kids are learning what to expect and are behaving in those expected ways,” Grogro said. “Everybody also feels better about coming to school and is treating everybody nicely.”
In addition to Folkert, the unified arts team includes: Music – Aaron Mencer; Visual Arts – Michelle Woodie and Jennifer Young; Technology – Dee Demyan and Beth Schott; and Physical Education – James Duling and Jerry Shook.
Folkert and Mencer incorporated the theme of the shirts into the fifth and sixth graders program titled, “December Nights, December Lights.”
“No matter what holiday you celebrate in December they all have a theme of light,” Folkert said.
PTO President Jennifer Milligan is hoping the students continue their positive attitudes and behaviors in the New Year.
“We are so grateful for the donation to get these shirts,” she said. “It’s such an amazing gift and I hope in the New Year we continue to grow our relationship with our teachers, parents and the community. It takes a village to raise a child and the only way we can make a difference is together.”
Folkert wrapped up the program by having everyone join her in singing, “This Little Light of Mine.”