UNITY PROGRAM BRINGS THELMA JONES ELEMENTARY TOGETHER
On Friday mornings , classrooms and hallways are empty at Thelma Jones Elementary School . That ’ s because students and staff are piled into the gym cheering and chanting during their weekly pep rally . They ’ re sitting together in 10 different groups , and each group dons a bright color while many students hold pom poms and signs that bear their group ’ s name . This month , students were in awe as the Timberview High School band , cheerleaders , and Celebrities dance team performed . The weekly ritual is part of the campus ’ Unity program . Every year , students from every grade level are divided into 10 houses , and each house is named “ unity ” translated into a different language .
TOP : Fourth-grader Amalia Andrades is a member of Team Pagkakasia , which means unity in Tagalog . BELOW : Second-grader George Tong holds his team ’ s sign , which means unity in French .
Their Sept . 8 pep rally was more celebratory than normal – the campus is honoring its 20-year anniversary , and Unity has been running for 15 of those years .
“ At pep rallies we do the pledges , morning announcements , house cheers , celebrate student achievements , and welcome new students ,” said music teacher Diana Hosier , who oversees organizing the program this year .
Throughout the week , students collect points for academic achievements or exhibiting the three Rs : respect , responsibility and readiness . Points are added up and awarded at the pep rally .
This week , Team Pagkakaisa won the most points , giving them a chance to spin a big wheel for more points .
Fourth grader Amalia Andrades spun the wheel for her team , and she ended up giving away the points to another group . Amalia and a teacher from the team awarded then ran the perimeter of the gym holding spirit sticks while the entire campus cheered for them .
“ I like everything to be equal ,” Amalia said . “ I want everyone to be happy , not left out .”
Principal Mico Rhines says Unity helps reinforce the importance of college , career and life readiness .
“ The rallies are letting them know how important it is to achieve in the classroom ,” Rhines said . “ We push accountability and responsibility , too .”
In addition to the weekly rallies , houses get together once a month to learn about character , and even learn about the origin of their house name . The groups comprise students from Pre-K through fourth grade , which builds a sense of community across grade levels , not just in homerooms .
“ Younger students make connections with the older ones , and that doesn ’ t happen on its own - Unity makes that happen ,” Hosier said .
This year , students will also participate in activity clubs as a house . Educators will teach students about pottery , cooking , games , fitness , and more .
Unity helps remind students to achieve academically and be accountable to one another . The weekly rallies are a well-deserved celebration for students .
“ It ’ s inspiring to them ,” said Rhines , adding that “ our kids are awesome .”
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