South Elementary students showcase classroom "Quaker Pride"; district highlights "Guys With Ties" mentoring program

Third-grade students from South Elementary presented a classroom project called "Quaker Pride" to the New Philadelphia City Board of Education at the district's regular meeting held at the school.

The students described five character traits they practice — perseverant, responsible, inquisitive, determined and engaged — and led the audience in a participation activity during the meeting. Their presentation concluded with applause from the board and meeting attendees.

Assistant Superintendent Jeff Williams described a separate program started this year at South called "Guys With Ties," modeled after an existing program in Dover. Williams said the program currently includes about 20 third-grade boys and aims to develop leadership and positive conduct by bringing men from the community into monthly sessions for lunch, mentoring and lessons. Participants have worked on table manners, handshakes, active listening and gratitude; students write thank-you notes for guest mentors, Williams said. He named community contributors and alumni who have mentored, including Mason Pikes and Logan Morehead, and high-school seniors Eden Matthews, Mitchell Bellman, Jackson Korns, Jackson West and Mark Crocker.

Principal Mrs. France and other staff were singled out during the meeting for their support of both the Quaker Pride activities and the Guys With Ties mentoring effort. Board members recognized school-board member appreciation month during the meeting and applauded the district staff for their work.

Quotes in this article come directly from the meeting presenters and student remarks recorded in the meeting transcript.