Apollo Elementary School, one of five K-4 elementary schools in the District, is home to the Panthers and full of school spirit. One of the sources of this spirit is their new Principal, Connor Christensen (Mr. C), who previously taught 3rd grade and Kindergarten at Apollo, left for a year to gain administrative experience, and is now back “home” at Apollo.
Mr. C is focused on expanding positive communication with students, staff, and families. By writing a monthly “Panther Pulse” school newsletter, utilizing social media, and partnering with staff to recognize exemplary student behavior through positive office referrals, he and the staff are able to shine a spotlight on the many great happenings at Apollo. Another fun initiative that helps accomplish this goal is “Rise & Shine,” a Monday morning program for staff and students that highlights positive character traits, the sharing of good things, and recognizing students for modeling the Character Strong “Word of the Month.”
The positive culture at Apollo has deep roots, and continues to evolve to fit the needs of every student. Educators of all grade levels have recently been piloting a new social and emotional learning program called “Character Strong.” This initiative provides research-based, supplemental social-emotional curriculum that endorses positive character development from early childhood all the way through high school graduation. Not only does this program help educate the whole child, it provides students with tools and resources that will be utilized throughout their life.
“It’s truly teacher-friendly. It is consistent, relevant, and impactful,” shared Allison Ebert, counselor at Apollo Elementary School. The program, at the elementary level, includes book recommendations, ready-to-present programming, and even songs to help remember the words of the month. Character Strong instills confidence and respect starting at young stages, and utilizes low-burden, high-impact strategies so that teachers don’t get overwhelmed implementing it. “Kids love it, teachers love it too!”
