BY KELLI GILE
Walnut – Everybody loves a parade! Hundreds of parents lined up to watch a kaleidoscope of colors and designs during the Collegewood Elementary Dot Day Parade on Sept. 18.
Students brought in boxes, paper and supplies from home and then let their creative juices flow.
One group stretched their imaginations making puppies from simple cardboard boxes. Another group of youngsters decorated a fluffy arctic polar bear float.
“It was 100% on their own,” 2nd Grade teacher, Diane Zell, explained.
Students were encouraged to make their mark using critical thinking and collaboration. Classes marched through the campus showing off creative floats banners, displays, posters, and decorated boxes.
One clever 5th Grader carried a bright blue bird painted on a square box complete with feathers and golden wings. Another artsy group designed and built a 5-foot long horse covered in black tissue paper and tape, with a mane of black felt and red felt bridle.
A group of fourth graders in Scott Jones’ class proudly wheeled a white block-shaped Minecraft wolf float made from cardboard boxes, tape, and paint. Transitional kindergarten students wore adorable decorated crepe paper hats. Second grade groups marched through with a Tinkerbell float and a time machine.
The idea for the creativity parade began with a letter written to the principal by 3rd Grader, Sophia Hill. She asked her principal for a reward if the class filled its gold coin incentive jar. Collectively students earn gold coins for demonstrating ways they exceed expectations with the 4Rs: Ready-to-Learn, Responsibility, Resourcefulness, and Respectfulness.
“I thought it would be fun to have a parade with floats and invite the president!” the courageous 8-year old said.
When Principal Joan Perez gave the green light for a school-wide parade, the 3rd Grader wrote a letter to President Obama. But, because he was busy running the country, our Superintendent, Dr. Robert Taylor, rode through the parade as the official Grand Marshall. Watch out, Rose Parade!
“When our students learned of Sophia’s idea, they were so excited! They were inspired to innovate and create parade floats all while practicing our 4Rs. Our entire school community was amazed how rigorous and relevant the entire process was. I can’t think of a better way to model for students that hard work and determination yields great rewards!” Perez said.
Perez combined the school parade with the international Dot Day, an event that celebrates courage, creativity, courage, and collaboration. And it all begins with a dot.
“The Dot is the story of a caring teacher who fosters students to trust in their abilities to be creative and being brave enough to make their mark in the world,” Perez added.
