SeDoMoCha recognizes student citizenship

DOVER-FOXCROFT — The SeDoMoCha School hosted an assembly on May 29 to recognize students in kindergarten through grade 8 who demonstrated citizenship 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 Tenley McLaughlin, first grader Olivia Webb, second grader Dahlia Levenseller, third grader Owen Cookson, fourth grader Cedar Boone, elementary unified arts Harrison Munson, fifth grader Oliver Dill-Marston, sixth grader Holly Walsh, seventh grader Graeme Walker, eighth grader Katelyn Snow and middle school unified arts Macee Lefebvre.

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 recognized students throughout the school year for demonstrating Habits of the Mind.

“I want to recognize a very special student who consistently shows us all what it means to be a great citizen within our school community,” kindergarten teacher Kristi Grass said. “Being a good citizen isn’t always for grownups, it’s for all members within a community. In our classroom community, I often will see this student going above and beyond. She is a student that consistently follows the rules and expectations, she is a first time listener, shares well with others, cleans up after themselves and always offers to help others. By following our rules and looking out for others this student is helping make our school a happy and safe place for everyone. Let’s give a big round of applause to Tenley McLaughlin for being a leader and a kind friend!”

“Being a good citizen means being kind, respectful, helpful and caring toward others,” grade 1 teacher Nicole Killam said. “The student the first grade team selected for this month’s award demonstrates these qualities each and every day. This student works hard to make our classroom a happy and welcoming place to learn. She is a wonderful friend who includes others, uses kind and caring words and helps classmates whenever they need support. She has also shown exceptional kindness and compassion by being a caring friend to a new classmate who recently joined our class family. This student consistently shows what it means to be responsible, thoughtful and respectful. We are so proud of the positive example she sets for everyone around her. Her kindness shines through our classroom each day, making her an excellent choice for this month’s citizenship award. Keep being such a wonderful example to others! I am both proud and honored to recognize Olivia Webb as this month’s Student in the Spotlight.”

Grade 2 teacher Roxanne Chadwick shared on behalf of the grade 2 team, “This student is a wonderful example of outstanding citizenship in second grade. She consistently shows kindness, respect and compassion to everyone around her. She is always willing to help her classmates and teachers with a positive attitude and a caring heart. She treats peers and adults with empathy, includes others, and works hard to make her classroom a happy and welcoming place. Her thoughtful actions and helpful spirit make her a role model for others each day. Congratulations to Dahvia Levenseller. The world needs more people like you!”

“What does it mean to be a good citizen in third grade?,” teacher Diane Stephen said.  “To me, being a good citizen means being kind, respectful and helpful to others every day. This student tries to be a good friend by including others, listening and using kind words. He works hard to follow the rules, be responsible and do his best in the classroom. Even when things are hard, he makes good choices. He follows the SOAR expectations and reminds others to do the right thing even when no one is watching. This student wants to be a better person every day. He has such a positive attitude and perseveres through many challenges. He is a positive role model for others and I have really enjoyed having him in my class this year. The third grade student we have chosen for the student in the spotlight award exemplifies these characteristics and so much more. I am so proud and honored to present May’s Student in the Spotlight award to Owen Cookson.”

“We are recognizing a student who truly represents what citizenship looks like in our school community,” grade 4 teacher Judy Lewis said. “She leads through kindness, thoughtfulness and the way she treats others every day. Although she may be quiet, she notices the people around her. She recognizes when someone may need support and is quick to offer help without being asked. Her caring actions show empathy and make our classroom a better place. This student has also shown growth by stepping up and participating more during class discussions, showing confidence and a willingness to share her ideas. She leads by example and serves as a role model to those around her through her actions, respect, and kindness. Please join me in congratulating our citizenship spotlight student, Cedar Boone!”

“The fifth grade team is proud to recognize a student who consistently demonstrates outstanding citizenship qualities,” teacher Heidi Hall said. “This student is creative, kind and has a wonderful sense of humor. He genuinely cares about others and often puts the needs of his classmates before his own. He works well with everyone and is always willing to participate in partner work or group projects with a positive attitude. In addition to being a supportive classmate, he is involved in both band and chorus. He also enjoys performing and has acted in the StageWorks production of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and is currently performing in ‘101 Dalmatians’. Thank you for being such a well-rounded, kind-hearted student. We are truly thankful to have spent this school year with you. Congratulations, Olive Dill-Marston!

Grade six teacher Morgan Whitten shared, “Citizenship is more than following the rules and earning good grades. To be a good citizen means to be involved within the school community, to show kindness and respect to others and to set a positive example to those around you. A student who excels in citizenship contributes to the community in whatever way they can, preparing themselves to be a positive addition to the real-world. 

“The student the sixth grade teachers have chosen for this month’s Student in the Spotlight demonstrates each of these qualities. In the classroom, she demonstrates hard work and dedication on every assignment. She collaborates well with others, finding the importance in being a team player. Beyond academics, this student juggles many other extracurricular activities. She is an active member of student council, a strong performer in band and even takes her talents to the (Central Hall) stage for the school plays. Wearing all of these hats as a sixth grader can be very difficult, but this student does it with poise and integrity. It is my pleasure to award this month’s Student in the Spotlight to Holly Walsh.”

“I have the privilege of recognizing a student who truly represents what outstanding citizenship looks like in our school community,” grade 7 teacher Kendrah Fisher said. “Great citizenship means showing kindness, responsibility, respect and integrity every single day. It also means being someone who supports and contributes to their community in meaningful ways. 

“This month’s Student in the Spotlight has done exactly that. This student is deeply involved in our school community. He is a three-sport athlete, participating in football, hockey and baseball, and he was also a member of our unified basketball team this year. Whether on the field, the court or the ice, he helps lead and support his teammates all year long. Beyond athletics, he is involved in both concert band and jazz band and he currently serves as Student Council president. His mornings are often busy helping others, whether that means bringing a pre-K student over to Morton for class or delivering the morning announcements that help all of us start our day. He also volunteers in our school food pantry, participates in game club and serves as a helper for our math team.

“No matter the activity, we can always count on him to show up with positive energy, a willingness to help and a commitment to making our school a better place. In the classroom, he also leads by example. He comes prepared, works hard and treats both classmates and staff with respect. His positive attitude and consistent willingness to do the right thing make a difference in our school community every day. What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that good citizenship is often shown in the small, everyday moments when no one is watching. It is reflected in the choices people make, the way they treat others and the effort they put into supporting their community. For his outstanding citizenship, and for being such a positive role model for others, the seventh grade team is proud to recognize Graeme Walker as this month’s Student in the Spotlight.”

Elementary unified arts teacher Kasey Bevis shared, “Harry is a second grader who shows us what it means to be a kind and caring member of our school community. In PE, he follows the rules, gives his best effort, includes others, takes care of equipment and shows good sportsmanship. But what makes Harry extra special is that his citizenship doesn’t stop when PE class ends. Whether he is in the hallway, in class or even at the grocery store, Harry always takes time to say hello, ask thoughtful questions and have a real conversation. He reminds us that citizenship is also about building relationships and making others feel seen and appreciated. Harry is curious, energetic, respectful and always ready with a good joke or a kind word. Harry, thank you for making our school feel warmer, friendlier and better for everyone around you.”

“Macee is a seventh grade student who shows citizenship through the way she leads, helps and supports the people around her,” Bevis said. “In health class, Macee is often one of the first students to finish her work, but what stands out most is what she does next. She takes pride in doing her own work well, and then she looks for ways to help others be successful too. During our children’s book project for our first grade friends, Macee spent her class time helping classmates finish their books, find illustrations, format their pages and keep going when they needed support. She is hard working, quietly dependable, patient and a natural leader. Macee, thank you for making our classroom feel like a place where everyone is supported and no one is left behind.”

For the May Staff in the Spotlight honor, school officials chose to recognize someone who demonstrates empathy. 

Nominees are Amelia Patterson, grade 1 teacher; Jessica Bell, occupational therapist; Jayne Sullivan, educational technician; and Ashlee Johnson, grade 5 math teacher.

A teacher who demonstrates empathy creates a classroom environment where students feel valued, supported and understood. They take the time to listen to students’ concerns, recognize individual challenges and respond with patience and compassion. By building positive relationships and showing genuine care for each student’s well-being and success, they foster trust, confidence and a sense of belonging. Their empathy not only supports academic growth, but also encourages students to develop kindness, respect and emotional awareness in their interactions with others. When I think of someone who demonstrates empathy for her students, colleagues and friends, this individual is one of the first people that come to mind. I am honored to present this month’s staff in the spotlight recognition to Miss Patterson!