As we stated at the beginning of the school year, Baker is continuing our comprehensive character education program focusing on the weekly Cobb County Character words. In an attempt to complement this program our Baker Bears participated in a number of activities which fostered a caring school community. It was fascinating to catch a glimpse of the students involved in the process of “helping others”- either individually or collectively.
As we begin the second semester of the school year, we would like to highlight some of the various activities that the Baker Bears - have successfully accomplished.
BAKER BEARS JUMPSTART 2011 READ FOR THE RECORD CAMPAIGN
A number of our 4th Graders read Llama Llama Red Pajama to all of the 1st Grade classes for The Jumpstart’s 2011 Read for the Record Campaign sponsored by WeGiveBooks. 139 (1st and 4th grade) students and 7 first grade teachers participated in the reading campaign. Our numbers were a part of the millions of students read to on October 6, 2011.
BAKER BEARS – RACHEL’S CHALLENGE
Upon completion of lessons on ‘Compassion’, The Baker Bears joined hundreds of thousands of students across the country in Rachel’s Challenge. Rachel Scott was the first person killed at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999. Her acts of kindness and compassion coupled with the contents of her six diaries have become the foundation for one of the most life-changing school programs in America. In one of her diaries she stated, ”I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion then it will start a chain reaction of the same.
BAKER BEARS CONTINUED THE CHAIN REACTION!
One of the missions of Rachel’ Challenge is to improve academic achievement by engaging students' hearts, heads and hands in the learning process. During this semester at Baker School there seemed to be an unseen force moving parents, staff and students to “PASS IT ON”.
- The Chain Reaction Continued:
- Our K-2nd Grade students incorporated “Bucket Books” in its school counseling program. These lessons highlighted the importance of doing random acts of kindness to “fill each other’s bucket” with support and love
- Teachers reported that their coffee/lunch was paid for as they waited in the drive-thru line
- Teachers indicated that they were the secret bearer of gifts
- Students shared that their family’s dinner was paid for by someone when they went out to eat
- Someone delivered turkeys for individuals at Baker – No sender.
BAKER BEARS WRITING LETTERS TO VETERANS
AND ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY PERSONNEL!
This buzz at Baker is contagious. We will be working to keep the chain reaction going as we implement lessons that will enhance the development our students – heads, hearts, and minds. Some items on the agenda are lessons on Goal Setting, Bullying, Tolerance, Commitment, Accomplishment, and Career Awareness.
Again, we send the very best to you and your family for the New Year 2012. Until the next time, we’ll close with a saying by Ann Landers: “Let this coming year be better than all the others. Vow to do some of the things you've always wanted to do but couldn't find the time. Call up a forgotten friend. Drop an old grudge, and replace it with some pleasant memories. Vow not to make a promise you don't think you can keep. Walk tall, and smile more. You'll look ten years younger. Don't be afraid to say, 'I love you'. Say it again. They are the sweetest words in the world” – PASS IT ON!
