Chadds Ford students highlight service projects, kindness campaign and full-day kindergarten plans at board meeting

At its March 17 meeting at Chadds Ford Elementary School, the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District heard a presentation from Principal Clark and several student ambassadors about school programs, service projects and upcoming events.

Principal Clark told the board and community members that the school is preparing to mark its 100th year next school year and introduced student ambassadors who described recent and ongoing service and leadership activities. "We're so happy to have our board and our community members and our friends and families, here with us tonight, and especially our students," Principal Clark said.

The student ambassadors described multiple activities. Orla, a fourth-grade student, summarized the school's first annual Veterans Day program, which welcomed 11 veterans and their families and included student presentations and poppy pins for guests. Evelyn outlined a welcome-backpack project that assembles backpacks with basic supplies and welcome notes for students who transfer midyear. William and other ambassadors described Random Acts of Kindness Week, which featured spirit themes, classroom visits to read picture books about kindness, and a schoolwide kindness chain on display in the lobby. Eva described a partnership with the nonprofit The Giving Tree: student ambassadors assembled 100 activity bags that include markers, activity books and a small toy; the presenter said The Giving Tree has helped more than 319,000 people since 2009.

Principal Clark also reviewed the school—ehavior framework called Charger Pride, a tiered system that emphasizes being safe, respectful and responsible. She said everyday speech lessons, a curricular resource previously approved by the board, are used districtwide at a Tier 1 level; targeted Tier 2 lessons and more intensive Tier 3 interventions are used when students need additional support. Clark said the school sends postcards home as a positive connection between staff and students and encouraged the community to register five-year-olds for full-day kindergarten starting next school year.

Clark invited board members to a student wellness day at Chadds Ford on April 4 featuring farm and research partners, yoga, martial arts and hands-on activities. She closed by thanking teachers, students, the PTO and volunteers for supporting the school's activities.

Why it matters: The presentation showcased the district's elementary-level efforts to build student leadership and social-emotional skills, to expand community partnerships and to prepare for the launch of full-day kindergarten.

Principal Clark and the student ambassadors provided the information during the superintendent's report portion of the March 17 board meeting; no formal board action was recorded on these items.