PAWS winners recognized at "Rise and Shine" assembly

GRAVETTE -- PAWS ("Pawsitive" and Wise students) winners at Glenn Duffy Elementary School were recognized Monday, Nov. 2, at the school's third "Rise and Shine" assembly. PAWS Students of the Month for November were Jason Downing and Randy Scates of Sulphur Springs, Teagen Muldoon and Olivia Powers of Bella Vista, Jacquline Gonzalez and Zach Carson of Gravette. The students were honored with certificates and T-shirts sponsored by the Glenn Duffy Elementary PTO.

The Glenn Duffy Elementary PAWS program incorporates character education and positive behavior into the school community. Each month PAWS skills are chosen and discussed in classroom guidance in relation to character education. Patriotism is the word for this month. This is defined as having a love of country and willingness to sacrifice for it. It could be described as loyalty or devotion.

PAWS awards are given in the classroom, hallway and cafeteria as an incentive for students to practice the PAWS skill for the month. Students are recognized at monthly "Rise and Shine" assemblies.

Malcom Winters was guest speaker for the assembly. He serves the school as a Gravette Kiwanis member and school stakeholder. He is a Vietnam veteran. He told how our nation was formed by people who were willing to make sacrifices for the freedoms we have today. He spoke of many veterans who have served in our armed forces over the years to protect our country and its freedoms. Winters reminded students of two approaching holidays when they could show their patriotism, Veterans Day and Thanksgiving. These holidays provide opportunities to show love of country or family and willingness to sacrifice for it.

Kindergarten teachers also presented a short lesson about the social skill, ignoring distractions. This skill is emphasized this month as part of the school's positive behavioral support system. While ignoring distractions, students should 1) look away, turn away or walk away from the person or distraction, 2) close their ears and do not listen and 3) be silent, find or focus on a new or more appropriate activity, according to the teachers. Kindergarten teachers are Teresa Spence, Christina Hartman, Autumn Phillips, Misty Harris, Kristy Sanders, Mary Jo Norberg and Tabby Crane.