HAYDEN J EMRAH
WZBD.com
Aaron Baker, principal of Bellmont Elementary School, addressed members of the North Adams School board at the December monthly meeting, highlighting some of the efforts to improve the quality of life and education for students over the course of this fall semester.
One of the most impressive things mentioned at the meeting was that on December 9th, Safari Dental–a mobile dental service focused on the dental hygiene of children–provided free tooth examinations and cleanings to 36 students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Students were provided fillings if needed, and those who were recommended to receive further treatment were sent home with a note explaining the service and what further steps were recommended to be done.
Principal Baker thanked Student Support Specialist Taylor Oliver for her role in organizing the event, as well as her initiative in another program to ensure multiple students in the elementary school–about 94 students–would receive an extra present for christmas.
Looking forward to next semester is a fundraising program for the benefit of BES. The program, called Next Level, is an opportunity for students to give back to their school while also getting a chance to win toys and gadgets. Students will be given a flier to get donations from family, friends and neighbors, and depending on how much they fundraise is proportional to the prizes they earn. Towards the end of the spring semester, Next Level will host what they call a “day of awesomeness,” where students will be treated to a field day, complete with bounce houses and various inflatable playgrounds.
Money received from the fundraiser goes to provide teaching material and supplies for classrooms, as well as student pride. Principal Baker commented that last year’s fundraiser helped to purchase t-shirts for all of the BES students and staff, about 800 shirts total.
Among other notable events was that the third and fourth graders had their Christmas musical on November 29th, which was brought together by the efforts of music teacher Mrs. Sanderson. Also, on September 17th, Judge Kukelhan of the Adams County Circuit Court visited the elementary school on Constitution day to talk about the basics of law and what role the judicial system plays in Adams County.
Principal Barker said of the event, “he met with the third and fourth grade students, talking constitution, talking all of those kinds of things. He wears his robe in and interacts with the kids wonderfully, I mean they just have a great time. They ask him questions, he asks them questions, the kids have a blast.”