Reaching for the S.T.A.R.S.

About an hour before the school day ended on the day before Thanksgiving, students at the Number Five School in Cedarhurst, some wearing turkey hats, paraded into the auditorium to learn about S.T.A.R.S.

Each of the S.T.A.R.S. represents a core value, which are actions, behaviors, feelings and ideas the Number Five School thinks are important for students to create a caring environment to become a kind and successful learner. Core values emphasize social and emotional learning as part of the Lawrence Public Schools academic initiatives, which reflect the New York State Common Core Learning Standards.

S, stands for shows kindness, T, is for trustworthiness, A, acts responsibly, R, means to respect yourself and others, and, S, for safety first.

“Values effect not only our social and emotional learning but academics too as school is a place students can learn,” said Principal Rina Beach. “They also extend out into the community and are what makes the Number Five School great.”

After several skits, videos and photos were shown to demonstrate each core value, students took the following pledge, “I promise to do my very best to uphold the core values of the Number Five School. I will show kindness to others, be a trustworthy friend, student and family member. I will act responsible by doing all my schoolwork. I will act respectable to others and myself. I will put safety first by living up to my pledge. I will be a better student, friend and child. I will help to make the Number Five School the best by doing all of these things.”

Fourth-grader Ayessa Batac felt that safety was the most important core value. “If you’re not being safe, you could get hurt,” she said. “Also, it’s important to respect others because if you don’t respect people, they won’t respect you.”

Alexandra Loch said she hopes her fellow students understand the significance of S.T.A.R.S. “Trust is important because it shows you how to keep a secret as well as being responsible,” the third-grader said. “I hope kids learn how important the values are because if they don’t they’ll act bad.”

Chloe Schillio, a fourth-grader, said the skits, videos and photos helped illustrate to her how to be a better student and person. “They showed how Number Five School students should act,” she said. “I hope that in the future every student respects S.T.A.R.S.”