Second-graders at Harley Avenue Primary School spent the morning interviewing Principal Elissa Millan and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth Bossert on Oct. 12.

Representatives from each class asked their administrators questions, ranging from “What makes a good citizen,” “What are the most important aspects of your positions as administrators,” and “How can we be successful in school?”

Dr. Bossert and Ms. Millan reminded the students to be mindful of the three R’s: be respectful, responsible and to form positive relationships. 
“That will go a very long way towards being successful,” Dr. Bossert said, calling each of the students a future leader.  

“The best thing is to breathe and think about what you’re going to do before you do it,” Ms. Millan added.  

The students will continue to learn about citizenship, rules and laws, and how different members contribute to the community in their social studies classes over the course of the school year. 

Four students – Emily LaMena, Aiden McNamara, Daniel Rourke and Natalie Vela – were recently announced as students of the month at John H. Glenn High School. 

The school’s latest initiative chooses one student from each grade and is based not necessarily on academic grades but rather by individual efforts and achievements. By basing student of the month on effort, it will give students who don’t necessarily have the best grades, yet still put in a lot of effort, a moment of recognition.

The four students honored for September are the embodiment of respect, responsibility and positive relationships – all of which are requirements of receiving the award. 

Initially, students of the month are nominated by their fellow classmates who will identify them as students who always put effort into their studies, show desire to learn more, encourage classmates to do better, and demonstrate positive school spirit and perseverance in the face of adversity.

From there, the nominations are sent to the All School Student Council members, who narrow the selection down to two nominees from each grade level based on the number of votes each student has received. The Student of the Month Faculty Committee is then tasked with making the final decision.

The Elwood School District is looking forward to honoring students each month for this prestigious award. Congratulations to the September Students of the Month!

After graduating from James H. Boyd Intermediate School last May, sixth graders at Elwood Middle School wanted to leave a positive message behind at their elementary school.

As members of local Girl Scouts Troop 192, the students – Gabriela Solis, Kali Marketos, Marisa Scardino, Riley Perinchief, Ellie Schwartz, Madison Vega, Payton Abrams, Sabrina Howe and Lily Brown – dedicated a positivity garden at Boyd on Sept. 20. The garden is available not just to students but teacher and staff as well. 

The small courtyard is now home to an array of perennials such as roses and mums, as well as dozens of colorful rocks with positive messages written on the. Some of which say, “You’re pretty,” “If you think you can, you can,” and “Believe in yourself.”

Troop Leader Nina Solis said that the students chose to complete the project as part of earning their bronze award – the highest honor a junior scout can earn before becoming a cadet. 

“They wanted to leave a remembrance at their elementary school so that when they graduate in 2026 and they walk the halls of Boyd, they’ll see their garden still there.”