The first flag salute last Friday introduced Top of the World's
academic campaign for the upcoming year.
Principal Ron LaMotte, along with mascot Chipper, praised the
students and staff for the outstanding state test scores and set a
goal of hitting 900 by the end of 2006.
"On Top of the World and Taking it to the Next Level" is the theme
for the year. Chipper, who was wearing his new helmet, reminded the
children to always wear their helmets when riding skateboards and
bikes.
A photovoltaic system has been installed on the roof through a
state grant, and it is expected to reduce the school's electrical
costs by 40%. A kiosk is being installed on the stage in the
multipurpose room so students can see the solar cells at work.
SchoolPower has generously funded 30 minutes of Spanish three days
a week for our kindergartners. The program kicks off the week of
September 19 and will run throughout the year. This is a one-year
pilot program at both our school and El Morro.
Top of the World's student council, under the leadership of
fifth-grade teacher Susan Dick, has put hurricane relief boxes in
each classroom and is busy collecting money for the American Red
Cross.
The fall fundraiser is the sale of gifts and wrapping paper, Sept.
16 to 30. Thurston Middle School and El Morro will also be running
wrapping paper campaigns, so parents with kids at multiple locations
may need to divide their orders.
Back-to-school night is Thursday, September 22. Students will be
dismissed on the minimum-day schedule, and the fifth-grade graduating
committee will be holding its first bake sale throughout the evening.
