MAY '24 GOOD NEWS issue to publish online | Page 11

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KEYSTONE CENTRAL

SCHOOL NEWS

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High Five Fridays and More : Mill Hall Elementary ' s Vibrant Community
At Mill Hall Elementary , every first Friday of the month brings an extra burst of excitement with " High Five Fridays ." This tradition , supported by the staff and Positive Behavior Interventions and Support ( PBIS ) Ambassadors , aims to welcome students with enthusiasm and unity . Students are greeted with music and high fives with foam paws , setting the tone for a spirited school day infused with Wildcat spirit . This tradition received a boost from the 7th and 8th Grade Leadership Class at CMMS , highlighting the collaborative spirit within the school community .
In recent events , third-grade students engaged in the " Birth of a Tree Project " led by the Pennsylvania Department of Forestry . Guided through the lifecycle of trees , they planted seeds and learned how to nurture them into a tree of their own . Meanwhile , second-grade students learned about forest fires and had a delightful encounter with Smokey the Bear , symbolizing the importance of wildfire awareness .
The school ' s commitment to fostering kindness and inclusivity is further exemplified by the installation of a Buddy Bench on the playground , donated by the PTO in memory of Mrs . Krista Shadle-Smith , a former Kindergarten teacher . The colorful bench serves as a reminder of Mrs . Shadle-Smith ' s love for rainbows and the significance of compassion in the school community .
Literary creativity took center stage at Mill Hall Elementary with renowned author Alan St . Jean guiding classrooms in crafting captivating stories . The Writing Olympics , where community partners judged the stories , proved to be a memorable event for all involved . Excitingly , the Keystone Foundation ' s sponsorship will facilitate Mr . St . Jean ' s return to work with fourth-grade students on book writing and illustration !
Field trips remain a cornerstone of learning at Mill Hall Elementary . From visits to the Central PA Space Station to hands-on experiences at local establishments like Texas Roadhouse and Dotterer ’ s Farm , each excursion leaves an indelible mark on students ' memories .
Recently , students eagerly awaited the rare spectacle of a solar eclipse . Despite initial disappointment due to inclement weather , their patience was rewarded with fleeting glimpses of the moon passing in front of the sun , sparking awe and wonder among all .
Mill Hall Elementary ' s commitment to positive behavior and academic excellence has earned recognition from esteemed institutions . Notably , the school was commended by the PA Dept . of Education for academic growth , and was recently recognized by the US News & World Report as one of the Best Public Elementary Schools . While they continue to strive to grow all students , both academically and socially-emotionally , they ' re proud of their students and look forward to finishing off the 2023 / 2024 school year helping them to be the best they can be everywhere , every time !
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