SeDoMoCha recognizes students for demonstrating self control

DOVER-FOXCROFT — SeDoMoCha Elementary and Middle School hosted a special schoolwide assembly on Dec. 19 to recognize students in kindergarten through grade 8 who demonstrate self control.

One student from each grade was selected by teachers, along with another chosen by the kindergarten through grade 4 and unified arts team and one selected by the grade 5-8 and UA teachers. 

During the assembly, teachers shared remarks about their chosen students before calling them to the podium to receive a certificate, a gift certificate to the school store and a round of applause from an audience filled with students, staff and proud family members.

Honorees are kindergartener Allison Tyler, first grader Finley Miller, second grader Sorina Woodard, third grader Cora Koncinsky, fourth grader Addie Johnson, elementary unified arts student Karter Nash, fifth grader Aria Silveira, sixth grader Colton Butts, seventh grader Summer Mallett, eighth grader Jacquelyn Allman and middle school unified arts student Aidan Armstrong.

Families had received notice of the event, but were asked to keep the recognition a surprise — making for a heartwarming and joyful reactions and well-deserved celebration. Each teachers’ heartfelt words described the ways their students show self control each day.

The event concluded with enthusiastic applause and smiles all around as the SeDoMoCha community celebrated its students.

SeDoMoCha recognizes students throughout the school year for demonstrating Habits of the Mind.

Kindergarten teacher Ashley Goodine said self control can look like being a whole body listener, taking turns and sharing learning materials, regulating big feelings when we are upset, keeping our body safe and in our space and making thoughtful choices throughout the day. Self control is an important trait that helps us grow as learners and as individuals.

“In our classroom Allie shows self control during all aspects of our learning,” Goodine said. “She is continuously a whole body listener during stories and class instruction. She shares and takes turns with friends during stations and centers. She makes thoughtful choices each day by speaking kindly to others, and being patient with peers. She models ways to help our class regulate feelings when small or big problems happen during outdoor learning.”

Grade 1 teacher: Amelia Patterson said self control is an important part of learning. 

“When students can control their body and thoughts they are able to be an engaged and active participant in the classroom,” Patterson said. “This month, the first grade team took their time to think about a student who is always sitting calmly, raising their hand and waiting their turn. The student we chose is a role model for others. She waits patiently for directions and asks when she isn’t sure if she is allowed to do something. I am so proud of how hard she works at being an example student in our school.

“I am honored to recognize a student who demonstrates exceptional self control and integrity in everything she does,” grade 2 teacher Jennifer McNaughton said. “She continuously goes above and beyond expectations, approaching each day with a positive attitude and a willingness to put forth her best effort. Her ability to stay focused, make responsible choices and hold herself to high standards is truly remarkable. These qualities not only help her succeed academically, but also show her deep commitment to becoming the best version of herself.

“Her behavior serves as a powerful example for her classmates and for students across the entire school. She is a role model in the truest sense — someone who shows that doing the right thing, even when no one is watching, is what defines real character. Her consistent self-discipline, respect for others and dedication to excellence inspire those around her and elevates our school community.”

“When I think about self control, a few students come to mind, but one student truly stands out,” grade 3 teacher Brittany Patch said. “This student consistently manages their emotions, shows strong self-awareness, stays focused on their goals and welcomes challenges with determination. They set a great example for others every day.”

The grade 5 team recognizes a student who displays self control every day, teacher Heidi Hall said. 

“She makes good choices,” Hall said. “She stays calm when school work or situations with peers are hard. She is patient and waits her turn to ask questions or share her thinking in class. She is a student who does the right thing, even when no one is looking. She is a great friend and role model to all her classmates. Thank you for setting a great example for all.”

Grade 6 teacher Jeff Dale said the honoree is “one of the most even-tempered students I’ve met in a long time. He is someone I’ve come to know as not being impulsive; instead he weighs his decisions and thinks over his choices. He is not reckless nor careless, and considers how his actions impact others and himself. He is thoughtful and deliberate, yet he is still full of personality and makes us laugh on a daily basis. 

“This student tends to manage his emotions far better than people twice or even three or four times his age. He is able to speak his mind and even disagree, but does so respectfully. Once in science class, students were unhappy with a reading assignment they had to do and they let me know about it. In fact, many were exhibiting what may be described as ‘whining’. However, this student stoically shared his thoughts on how a Friday wasn’t the best day for a reading assignment like that, and it actually led to me changing my point of view and modifying my plan a bit. They did still do some reading, though. It’s also quite remarkable seeing how calm this student’s demeanor is when he’s hanging out with his rambunctious group of friends. I’ve tried to come up with a humorous way of describing him always being cool, calm and collected at the center of a frenzy of uninhibited and unruly sixth graders, something along the lines of electrons orbiting a nucleus, or angry bees around a hive, but I just keep coming back to the meme of a dog casually sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee with the room around him engulfed in flames and the dog is simply saying, ‘This is fine.’”

Grade 7 teacher Theresa Makowski said the grade’s honoree embodies the meaning of self control.

“They may not always be the loudest voice in the room, but their actions speak volumes,” she said. 

“They consistently come to class prepared, complete their homework and follow expectations — even when no one is watching. They show respect to their classmates and teachers, stay focused on their work and make thoughtful choices throughout the day. When situations could be distracting or frustrating, they remain calm and in control, setting a powerful example for those around them.

“What makes this especially impressive is that self-control isn’t always easy — especially in seventh grade! But they show us that being quiet, respectful and responsible is a real strength. They contribute to a positive learning environment simply by being themselves and our classroom is better because they are in it.”

Grade 8 teacher Joe Manuel said the December student is a model of self control, “In eighth grade we expect students to prioritize their academics over social pursuits, to set aside personal interests for ethical responsibility and in general to demonstrate the kind of maturity we want to see in students heading to high school. Self control is not just holding back, but about choosing wisely. It’s about being patient under pressure and preparing one’s self for the opportunities to come rather than choosing the first option available. 

“The student we honor today is always where she needs to be, prepared and enthusiastic to participate in class. They discipline themselves rather than waiting for someone to tell them. They are steady and driven. They make conscientious decisions and hold their impulses in check.

“It would never cross their mind to put off their work for later or do anything less than their best. This student is trusted to utilize their time and resources independently. I always know that this student is going to give their best effort; to choose principle over convenience.”

“Self control is the ability to manage impulses, emotions and behaviors in order to become the best that you can be, not better than anyone else, but the best you can be,” said elementary art teacher Theresa Sneed. “Self control is often called willpower. And it takes a lot of willpower to make good choices and what you choose is what you become. 

“Fortunately, the skill of self control is strengthened through practice. The more you practice self-control, the better you become. What do you have to change in your life to become the best that you can be? Less gaming, more studying, or less joking around in class, more paying attention? Self-control is absolutely essential for success in school. Self-control helps you to become a better student.  

“I have an art student who consistently strives to improve. Whenever he makes a mistake, right away, he apologizes (without being asked). He doesn’t have to tell me that he’ll try harder — he always tries harder. He recognizes what he needs to do and practices self-control to become a better student — to be the best that he can be. That’s what self-control is.”

Physical education teacher Jennifer Savage said self control is the ability to manage actions, emotions and choices to stay focused, safe, and respectful during activities. 

“In PE, it means listening, participating responsibly, and helping create a positive environment for everyone,” Savage said. “This student demonstrates these qualities daily in and out of the classroom. He uses his humor appropriately, brings positive energy to class, and leads by example. His good judgment and encouraging attitude make him a standout role model.”

For the December Staff in the Spotlight recognition, Assistant Principal Davan Walker said administrators focused on growth mindset.

“Just like our students, our staff demonstrate a commitment to learning, reflection and improvement,” Walker said. “Whether through professional development, instructional strategies or new challenges, our staff model growth mindset. A growth mindset drives positive change, and we are proud to recognize the dedication and effort our staff put into making SeDoMoCha a wonderful place to grow and learn.”

December nominees are kindergarten teacher Kristi Grass, Title IA math teacher Alison McArthur, math instructional coach Penny Benway and Alexis Topolski of accounts payable.

“This month’s winner is a new-to-us staff member who has quickly become a tremendous asset to our school community,” Walker said. “Mrs. Penny Benway serves as our math coach and has made this transition seamless. From the very beginning of the year, Mrs. Benway took time to build relationships by getting to know our teachers and students, recognizing that meaningful growth starts with understanding and trust. She consistently demonstrates a positive growth mindset through her thoughtful questioning, active listening, and encouraging attitude. Her positivity and commitment to continuous improvement truly embody what a growth mindset looks like in action.”