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Mark Twain students recognized for leadership; students raised funds and a high-school class built a gaga ball pit
Summary
Principal Tommy Lowe and students from Mark Twain Elementary celebrated service and academic improvements — Pirate Crew collected more than 6,300 cans and raised $420 for Habitat for Humanity; fourth graders led fundraising for a gaga ball pit built by the high school's class; staff reported 98% teacher completion of LETRS training and 88% of kindergarteners reading on grade level.
Tommy Lowe, principal of Mark Twain Elementary, presented a multifaceted update that combined student recognition, leadership projects and instructional changes.
Lowe introduced student members of the school’s Pirate Crew, a leadership and service organization for grades 2–5. Students described community projects: the Pirate Crew helped collect more than 6,300 cans for a food drive and raised $420 during a penny-war fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity. “Our mission is to help our school and community be a better place,” third-grader Graham Himel told the board.
Fourth graders Ellie Schmidt and Nev Harrison described a student-led fundraising campaign to buy a gaga ball pit after seeing the game at church camp. The students raised funds through a morning concession stand over roughly three months; Lowe said the high-school shop class built the pit and it now sits on the school field for daily recess use.
Lowe also reported curricular work: 98% of teachers have completed LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) training and kindergarten reading rates are improving, with 88% of kindergarten students reading on grade level. He said the district implemented a Tier 1 phonics program for kindergarten through second grade and that math instruction remains a strength.
The board offered congratulations and acknowledged cross-school collaboration that allowed high-school students to support elementary play space projects.
What happens next: No formal board action was required for the recognitions; Lowe said staff will continue reading-aligned professional development and asked the board to attend upcoming end-of-year and summer activities.
