Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Student Programs And Activities topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Bell Heath students demonstrate year‑long band elective; school raises funds for playground ninja course
Summary
Bell Heath Elementary presented a student showcase featuring a new year‑long band elective for sixth graders and fundraising results: a color run raised about $20,000 and the PSA pledged $17,000 toward a roughly $37,000 playground 'ninja' replacement.
Bell Heath Elementary students and staff showcased a new year‑long band elective for sixth graders and described fundraising to replace a playground fitness feature.
Principal Mr. Wilder introduced the Bell Heath presentation and described this year’s theme as "excellence in education." He highlighted a student sorting (house) system, a color run community fundraiser and a new band elective that brings a middle‑school band teacher to the elementary campus for morning instruction. "We raised $20,000. This year, our fundraising was for our ninja course," Wilder said, and added the school’s PSA had pledged $17,000 toward a budget of about $37,000 for the replacement piece.
Three sixth‑grade students addressed the board. Molly Francis said, "I play the clarinet. And the thing I love about band is how I can express myself through the music I play." Amber (last name not provided) described responsibility for instrument care: "You need to take care of your instrument because that's basically one of the main points of it." Abigail Morris (student) said band fosters "collaboration and compassion" as students work together.
Teachers and board members praised the elective’s impact. Staff said the band started on short notice in August and grew quickly; Mr. Wilder and other administrators credited teacher Mr. Saunders for organizing the program and stands, instruments and space. Board members encouraged families to attend performances and noted that year‑long electives help students follow sustained learning across the year.
The board received the student showcase as a non‑action informational item.
