Sixth grade recognized for being role models

BONDUEL — Sixth grade students at Bonduel Elementary School are expected to be good role models for the younger students at the school, and those students were recognized for their efforts Thursday.

Principal Brad Grayvold took the class down the road to Kwik Trip and allowed them to get smoothies. The students formed a long line, but the line was full of smiles.

Many of the students take their role seriously.

“What I’m usually intent upon doing is getting good grades and help people when they need help,” said Ryan Westrich. “I just try to be kind and helpful.”

Westrich added that he just tries to do his best, and it appears to pay off.

For Hailey Spates, being a good role model means listening to the teachers.

“There are a lot of younger kids watching, so they know that you should listen to your teachers and follow the rules,” Spates said. “When someone younger than me needs help, I try to help them so they know that, when they’re older, they can help younger kids.”

Mariah Wondra said the key times to be a good example for her are in the hallways and during recess.

“It’s pretty fun for the most part, and I enjoy helping people,” Wondra said.

McKenna Onesti believes it’s important to be a role model at all times when in school.

“As a role model, I show students how you’re supposed to be respectful, be safe and everything,” Onesti said. “I show them by standing in line, by standing in a straight line. When someone falls down, you help them back up.”

Spates noted that being helpful is a common tradition at the school.

“I know that, when I was younger, there were older students who helped me,” Spates said. “I think it feels really cool to help.”

The visit to Kwik Trip was a surprise to some of the students, Westrich being one of them.

“Honestly, I didn’t even think that I was going to be up here,” he said. “I’m just surprised. We just found out yesterday, but I’m really glad, and I’m really thankful.”

Wondra believes that not all schools provide the recognition for excellence that Bonduel Elementary does.

“It’s nice that they reward us for what we do,” she said.

This is the first time the school has hauled the class to Kwik Trip as a thank you for the students’ good work, but Grayvold noted there have been other things the staff has done to show appreciation to the highest class.

“Different schools have different programs,” Grayvold said. “Some will send them on a field trip or give them extra time on an incentive activity, whether it’s bringing them to the movie theater or extra recess time. Our staff has been really intentional on recognizing good behavior.”

lpulaski@newmedia-wi.com