SeDoMoCha recognizes student teamwork

DOVER-FOXCROFT — The SeDoMoCha School hosted a special assembly on April 27 to recognize students in kindergarten through grade 8 who demonstrated teamwork as the month’s Student in the Spotlight honorees.

A pupil from each grade was selected. Teachers shared remarks about their students before calling them to the podium to receive a certificate, gift certificate to the school store and round of applause from an audience filled with students, staff and proud family members.

Honorees are kindergartener Giovanna Taylor, first grader Grayson Collins, second grader Dean Rideout, third grader Ellie Bushway, fourth grader Norah Webber, fifth grader Hannah Snow, sixth grader Kyle Killiam, seventh grader Paige Tapley, eighth grader Aurora Youngblood, elementary unified arts Dahlia Malo and middle school unified arts Logan Donahue.

Families 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 students demonstrate teamwork.

The event concluded with enthusiastic applause and smiles all around as the school community celebrated.

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

“Kindergarten is often the first school experience many of our students have,” teacher Allison Slagle said. “On top of academics, our students are learning how to problem solve, follow directions and what it means to be a student. A skill we work on a lot is how to work successfully with our classmates and what it means to work as a team. Today’s winner has been a great example of what it means to be a good teammate since day one of school. She is kind, empathetic, helpful and patient. I can put this student with anyone in our classroom and know that they will get their work done.”

Grade 1 teachers Emma Shea and Penny Benway shared, “When choosing a student for the attribute of teamwork, the first grade team thought of a special student who is one of the most friendly around. We all have different personalities and some of us choose to work alone, but some of us thrive off of working with others. This student showed off his strength of supporting others especially during our nonfiction research and informational writing. Not only did he put his best effort into his work, but he also coached his partner on where they could find information and offered ideas for complete sentences. 

“In our math class during the workshop, he is provided the opportunity to work with a partner to solve two of the challenge problems. He uses thoughtful questions to engage his partner even when he already knows the answer. He truly cares that others are engaged in learning as much as he is. His friendly attitude and interest in others makes him fun to be around. His positivity helps our classroom community thrive.”

“Today we are celebrating a student who truly shows what it means to be a great teammate,” grade 2 teacher Jannifer McNaughton said. “He is always ready to help others, share ideas and make sure everyone feels included. He listens carefully, encourages his classmates and works hard to make group activities successful and fun. His positive attitude and kindness help build a strong, supportive community around him. We are so proud of the way he leads by example and shows respect to everyone he works with.”

Grade 3 teacher Diane Stephen shared, “This month the third grade team is recognizing a student who exemplifies what it means to be a team player. As a basketball coach, I know that to be successful you have to work as a team, sometimes put your own personal goals to the side in order for everyone to be the best they can be and that there is no ‘I’ in team. Being a team player in the classroom means more than just working in groups — it means showing respect, supporting others and contributing in a positive way every day. 

“This student consistently demonstrates what it means to be part of a team. They listen to others’ ideas, share their own thoughts respectfully and are always willing to help a classmate who may be struggling. Their positive attitude helps create an environment where everyone feels included and valued. Because of their effort and collaboration, our classroom is a stronger and more supportive place. In the classroom teamwork also means that you have to do your job so that others can learn around you.This student puts other’s feelings before her own and is one that can work with any student in the room. She never complains about who she works with and always, always, tries to include everyone in group activities. She has a kind heart and a calming presence about her. She is understanding of the diverse learners in the classroom and goes out of her way to help all students be successful. I have really enjoyed watching this student grow over the course of this school year and am honored to have had her in my class.”

“Today we’re here to celebrate a student who shows what teamwork really looks like,” grade 4 teacher Karen Trubic said “Teamwork is more than just working in a group — it’s about how we treat the people around us. It means listening when others are speaking, sharing ideas, encouraging one another and doing your part to help the whole group succeed.

“Being a good teammate isn’t always the easiest thing to do. Sometimes it means being patient when things don’t go your way or stepping up to help when someone else is struggling. It means being someone others can rely on — not just when things are going well, but especially when they’re not. In the classroom, teamwork helps us learn and grow together. When we work as a team, we build trust, we solve problems more easily and we create a space where everyone feels included and respected. The student we are recognizing today consistently shows these qualities. She is respectful in how she treats others, kind in her words and actions and trustworthy in both big and small moments. She quietly does the right thing and helps make the classroom a positive place to be. She even serves as a mentor to students in Mrs. Tapley’s class, showing leadership and care beyond her own classroom. Even though I don’t have the pleasure of working with her every day, it’s clear that she is someone her classmates and teachers can count on. That’s what makes a truly great teammate.”

Grade 5 teacher Ashlee Johnson shared, “Today, the fifth grade team is excited to recognize a student who truly represents what it means to be a great teammate, both in and out of the classroom. This fifth grader consistently shows what it means to be reliable — you can always count on her to be prepared, focused and ready to learn. As a member of our school’s math team, she brings not only strong problem-solving skills, but also a willingness to listen, learn, and grow. She understands that success comes from effort, perseverance, and a positive attitude. She shines as a member of the swim team and our community softball team, where her hard work, dedication, and resilience are clear. She is coachable, determined and is never afraid to take on a challenge.  

“What truly sets her apart, though, is the way she supports others. She is a fabulous partner — someone who listens, encourages and helps those around her succeed. She celebrates others’ accomplishments and is always willing to lend a helping hand. Her kindness and respect make our classroom a better place every single day. She leads by example, not by seeking attention, but by consistently doing the right thing. Her positive attitude, strong work ethic and unselfish nature make her someone we are all lucky to learn alongside – she is a true teammate. We are so proud to have her as part of our classroom community.”

“The quality of being a team player and working well with others is an important, but sometimes undervalued skill, not just in our formative years, but well into our professional careers and throughout our entire lives,” grade 6 teacher Jeff Dale said. “This can be a tall order for a middle schooler, especially one who is focused on his own success in school. There are countless group projects and calls for collaboration throughout our years in school. Some allow us to choose our own groups and work with our friends, while others provide the dreaded ‘assigned groups’, of which the mere mention induces groans and grousing throughout classrooms up and down the halls. 

“Each has its own challenges. There are so many other times we find ourselves working in teams and with others, whether it’s in after school clubs, on sports teams or any other group event; one thing is clear, it’s important to be able to work as part of a group to be able to accomplish a goal and this takes skill. The student we’ve chosen as this month’s spotlight recipient has a strong set of teamwork skills. Some of these skills include being able to see the big picture, to understand the goal and what needs to be done to succeed. Going along with this, this student is able to understand what everyone’s role is within the group and ensures that they do, as well. Being an effective communicator is another important quality that he holds. This student is flexible and is able to change plans on the fly without getting too flustered. Perhaps most importantly, this student is reliable and follows through when others are depending on him.”

Grade 7 teacher Theresa Makowski shared, “We know what teamwork looks like on the sports field — communication, preparation, cooperation, contributing and support. But teamwork stretches far beyond the field. It shows up in everything we do, and our Student in the Spotlight embodies that both on and off the field. In the classroom, this student does more than just work well with peers. They come to class prepared, organized, and ready to learn — real captain material! They are ready to work, contribute to class discussions without dominating the conversation and help create a positive learning environment for everyone. They collaborate, share ideas and keep the group moving forward. They know when to lead, when to listen and when to step in to support others. Those are the qualities of a true teammate.

“Outside the classroom, those same habits carry over. Whether on the field, in activities, or around school, this student shows respect, responsibility and encouragement to those around them. Teamwork is not just about working together — it is about making everyone around you better. That is exactly what this student does each day.”

“We’re here to recognize a student who truly embodies what it means to be an engaged, supportive and inspiring member of a team,” grade 8 teacher Joseph Manuel said. “In every school community, there are individuals who show up, do their part and contribute. But every so often, there’s someone who goes beyond that — someone who elevates the entire group simply by being part of it. Today, we honor that kind of student. 

“This student has demonstrated outstanding dedication and enthusiasm across multiple areas, including theater and band — two disciplines that demand not only individual effort, but deep collaboration. Whether on stage, behind the scenes or in rehearsal, they bring energy, reliability, and a willingness to support others. They understand that success in these spaces isn’t about standing out alone, but about lifting the entire group. And that same spirit carries into the classroom. In group projects, this student is the one who listens, encourages and contributes thoughtfully. They help keep everyone on track, ensure that every voice is heard, and consistently put the team’s success ahead of personal recognition.  What makes this student especially deserving of recognition is not just what they do, but how they do it. With positivity. With respect. And with a genuine commitment to being a great teammate in every sense of the word. Please join me in honoring Aurora Youngblood who reminds us all that great teams are built by great people.”

Elementary music teacher David Murray shared, “When we talk about teamwork, we usually think about people helping each other out, but Dahlia takes it a step further. This year, she was a vital part of the cast in both ‘Dot & the Kangaroo’ and ‘Aladdin’. In a big production, you have to rely on the person standing next to you, and everyone in those casts knew they could rely on Dahlia. She worked incredibly hard to master her lines, her music and every single dance step. But what makes her stand out isn’t just her own performance — it’s how she treats everyone else. She gets along with everyone, stays helpful during long rehearsals and honestly, you won’t find a single person with a bad word to say about her. In the classroom and in chorus, she continues to lead by example. Her voice is always loud and clear, and she acts as a fantastic role model for her peers. Dahlia, thank you for being such a dedicated performer and an even better teammate.”

Murray shared for middle school music teacher Joshua Hunnewell, “When I was tasked with recognizing a student for their ability to be a team player one student immediately came to mind. This student arrives to rehearsal early to set up equipment, and he always does his part when tearing the equipment down when we’re done playing. He is one of four members of the rhythm section, which is a core team that supports the rest of the band. The whole section plays incredibly well together, I wish I could recognize all four of them! 

“This student also was willing to switch to a different section in chorus to help support the group’s overall balance and sound. In theatre, he demonstrates a strong desire to be a member of the team, consistently learning a huge number of lines and working well with his fellow cast members. Whenever I express the need for something to be done, he doesn’t even hesitate, he just says, ‘On it!’ He’s truly a model of teamwork in all the performing arts.”

For the April Staff in the Spotlight honor Assistant Principal Davan Walker said, “This month, the admin team is highlighting effective communication as our Staff in the Spotlight focus. Strong communication is essential in a school setting, it builds trust, strengthens relationships, prevents misunderstandings and ensures that students, families and staff are all working toward a common goal. When communication is clear, consistent and respectful, it helps create a positive environment where both students and educators can succeed. 

“Our nominees for this recognition are Mrs. Sheva Anderson, Mrs. Stephen, Mr. Dolbeare and Mrs. Weymouth. (Grade 4 teacher Beth Weymouth) brings over 40 years of teaching experience, and her ability to communicate effectively is evident in all that she does. In her two years at SeDoMoCha, she has consistently demonstrated strong communication with her team, colleagues and parents. Most importantly, she connects clearly and thoughtfully with her students, ensuring they feel supported, understood and set up for success.