Ridge Park Elementary builds school community through Panther Pride
Ridge Park Elementary builds school community through Panther Pride
On a recent Friday afternoon, Ridge Park Elementary School celebrated Panther Pride — an event where each student headed to a different part of the building to mix with children from other classes and grade levels to explore something new.
Third grader Madison Mallory took the opportunity to learn how to make fry bread in honor of National Native American Heritage Month. “I get to see my friends and have fun,” she said.
Teacher Tiffany Martin guides a student through the process of cracking an egg to add to the dry ingredients for making Fry Bread.
The teachers dug into their own interests and passions to prepare approximately 50 different options for the students, including sports, arts and crafts, cheerleading, bingo, STEM activities, and more.
One of the more popular activities was making a beaded bracelet. “I’m making a bracelet for my brother,” said Degol Demoz. “He’s special to me.”
More than one room offered bracelet making due to the popularity of the activity.
The students weren’t the only ones excited for the day. Principal Eileen Carr also spoke about the excitement on the teachers’ end. “They love to do this,” she said. “They get to meet different kids, and they love to see the mesh of the kids that come into their classroom.”
The Panther Pride events started last year at the encouragement of the specialist team, who thought the events would be a fun way for students to meet new people and be a part of the school community with friends who have similar interests but might not be in the same class.
“It’s fun to be around other kids, because you don’t always get to see them a lot during the day,” said Lucy Stulb.
The event is not a reward for good behavior; all Ridge Park students participate and benefit from the freedom that comes with choosing what they’d like to do.
Students trying yoga during Ridge Park Elementary School's Panther Pride event.
“Typically, kids that we see with negative behaviors during the academic part of the day, they don’t show negative behaviors during this,” said Ms. Carr. “Partially due to choice. They prefer the activity. It’s fun.”
Ridge Park Elementary plans to hold three more Panther Pride events this school year.
