Fifth graders discuss leadership opportunities at Kaegebein Elementary School

Story and photo by Senior Contributing Writer Alice Gerard

At the Sept. 21 meeting of the Grand Island Central School District Board of Education, three fifth grade students from Kaegebein Elementary School talked about the school’s safety patrol program, as well as the announcers’ club.

“It is my huge pleasure to introduce three of our amazing fifth graders from Kaegebein, who not only are learning, but they are also becoming leaders,” Kaegebein Principal David Janicki-Howe said. “(Brooklyn Langworthy, Asher Vincent and Dawson Powell) are going to share about some of the leadership opportunities that they have at Kaegebein.”

The students also talked about the new book vending machines at the school.

One of the three members of the safety patrol who were present at the Board of Education meeting said the students assist in a variety of areas, from “keeping our school safe to sharing daily news to stepping up to build a stronger community. Our safety patrol program gives students the opportunity to be leaders every day. We wear our yellow vests with pride as we keep (our school) safe and organized. Safety patrol members arrive early. They stay focused and make sure that everyone gets to where they need to go safely.”

The announcers’ club gives students the opportunity to develop public speaking skills, as well as proficiency with equipment.

“Every morning, our students broadcast our daily announcements, using professional equipment, including a ring light and a green screen,” one of the students said. “Members of our announcers’ club meet before school to write scripts and record special features, like how to show respect in the auditorium and things I’m thankful for. It’s like having your own TV station right here at Kaegebein.”

In addition, the students talked about the new book vending machines.

“Thanks to our awesome PTA, we now have a new book vending machine,” a second student explained. “Students can select books as rewards for good behavior, hard work and showing our Viking values. It’s made reading even more fun and is special for everyone.”

“Thank you for helping us learn and grow into the leaders of tomorrow,” one of the students said.

“Kaegebein Elementary is more than just a school,” the third student added. “It’s a school that builds leaders and learners. We’re grateful for the support of our teachers, staff, PTA and this school board.”