Ridge Park Elementary School students shine spotlight on staff members

In a bit of a role reversal, Ridge Park Elementary School students are getting the chance to ask their teachers questions as part of a monthly assignment that shines the spotlight on adults who work in the building.

The spotlight has been shown so far on people like Principal Eileen Carr, Counselor Desiree Sharkey, and Speech Teacher Regina Jacobs. Students in Roni Berman’s intensive learning support class are the ones who conduct the “interviews” in order to compile information about each person to put onto a bulletin board in the school.

“I wanted something meaningful created by my students,” said Mrs. Berman. “Our Staff Spotlight is in its second year and I find students and staff occasionally stopping by to read new information about those we feature.”

Students sometimes arrange to meet with the interview subject where the person works, and other times, the interview subject comes to their classroom. The children like to find out about staff members’ favorite things, such as their favorite food, color, and even sea animal. The questions are meant to generate conversation, and serve as a way for the students to work on maintaining eye contact and other interpersonal skills.

Second-grader Jameson said he enjoys the chance to find out more about the adults who work at school.

“I like asking Mrs. Jacobs what pets she has. She has five fish, and one is like Nemo,” he said.

Third-grader Noah said he was surprised to learn how long Mrs. Jacobs had been teaching (11 years).

“That’s a long time,” he said.