This week marked the second time that the fourth grade has been solely responsible for presenting the Veterans Day assembly for Cecil Floyd Elementary. The teachers volunteered for this responsibility because we want the presentation to be a mature, respectful event. While we enjoy patriotism in our school, we want our students to realize and appreciate the sacrifices of families to allowed their loved ones to serve in our armed services.
With that in mind, our presentation is more than just an interruption to our schedule; it is an opportunity to give back and to show our appreciation. In putting together the show - at ever level - I try to stress the idea that the veterans are our primary audience, and that they deserve our best effort.
That said, we are honored and humbled when we receive appreciation for our appreciation. The reviews are in, and they are resoundingly positive.
With that in mind, our presentation is more than just an interruption to our schedule; it is an opportunity to give back and to show our appreciation. In putting together the show - at ever level - I try to stress the idea that the veterans are our primary audience, and that they deserve our best effort.
That said, we are honored and humbled when we receive appreciation for our appreciation. The reviews are in, and they are resoundingly positive.
You did it again! That was such a great program. | IT WAS AWESOME! |
Great job! | The kids were so good. |
How did you get them to sing out so well? | Amazing! |
All the children performed so well. | I really appreciate how hard [the fourth grade] worked on this program. |
That was the best school program I have ever seen.
I believe that our presentation is only the beginning. As always, we work very hard at our greeting skills, as well. I send forth my students to freely greet adult visitors to our school (under supervision, of course). After Tuesday morning's presentation, students greeted veterans and visitors in the hallway outside our classrooms.
Those students returned to me, telling me, "I made a veteran cry." It was true. There were tears. They flowed with the realization that my students were sincerely telling them, "Thank you for your service." This is the part of our presentation that most did not see, but it didn't stop there. Again, after the evening performance, we received this comment:
Those students returned to me, telling me, "I made a veteran cry." It was true. There were tears. They flowed with the realization that my students were sincerely telling them, "Thank you for your service." This is the part of our presentation that most did not see, but it didn't stop there. Again, after the evening performance, we received this comment:
I wanted to share with you how proud I am of Cecil Floyd kids. Tonight my sister and bros in law came to the veterans program in their uniforms. I was so proud when so many kids came up to them and shook their hands and thanked them for their service. My sister and bros in law were impressed. Cecil Floyd kids rock!
We sincerely hope that our attempts here affect the future of our community. We are proud of our fourth graders for recognizing the growth they have experienced as a part of this important effort.
