Highland School Celebrates ‘The Power of One’

One student can truly make a difference, and that is exactly what Highland School has been celebrating and recognizing all year long.

The school has a theme each year, and staff is recognized for their positive contributions under the umbrella of that theme. The theme for 2010-11 is “The Power of One,” and this year for the first time, students also are being honored.

“One person can make a difference with their ideas and ways to make our school even better,” said Principal Judy Kmak.

Every month, one student was recognized at a school-wide assembly and in the school’s newsletter for his or her positive contributions to the school community.

These included reaching out to a classmate having a bad day, going above and beyond with lunchroom cleanup, welcoming a new family to the school, and spending recess cleaning the playground. Nominating the students were a variety of Highland staff members – from classroom teachers to lunchroom aides.

Highland students who earned Power of One recognition during the 2010-11 school year were: Blake Varsolona, 4th grade; Marshall Kinnunen, 3rd grade; Caleb Schmurr, 6th grade; Julia Kramper, 4th grade; Dianna Ibarra, 5th grade; Lilianna Schmurr, 2nd grade; Owen Nystrom, 2nd grade; and Cora Lingenfelter, 1st grade.

“Not only have these students contributed to our school’s positive, nurturing environment, they also are a positive role model for others,” Kmak said.