visit C-C schools Churchville-Chili Intermediate School students are participating in a program centered on learning character and leadership skills from notable educators who have made a difference in the areas of science and technology, politics and communication and professional athletics. Over the course of four school days, students learned from Astronaut Pamela Melroy, former National Football League player Tony Jordan, Director of Psychosocial Services and Research in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Dr. O.J. Sahler and political expert Curt Smith. Colonel Melroy's visit kicked off this weeklong program. During morning assemblies, students created character profiles of each visitor to look for common characteristics. Each afternoon, Tony Jordan met with students and discussed good character traits, and examined how one makes thoughtful and positive decisions. "Our students have really taken to heart the message that they can make a difference. The inspiration that our speakers provided has encouraged the students to follow their dreams and reach for the stars," said John Bellini, CCIS principal. Character education is one part of the district-wide PBIS (Positive Intervention and Support) program. Through programs like BOCES 2's Project ADEPT (A Diversified Enrichment Program for the Talented) where positive behavior is modeled, students learn how to make good decisions. "I learned you always have to try your best and work really hard. Lots of people came to school to inspire us," said Laura Constable, a CCIS sixth grader. As part of this project, a target group of CCIS students partnered with Rochester City School #37 to lead a collaborative community service project for their schools. Throughout the project, CCIS students visited with their partners at Rochester City School #37 to plan how students can make a difference in their home, school, and community and in their world. As a result of this project, students at City School #37 and CCIS presented Joe Calabrese, president of the Rochester United Way, with $1,956.77, which was raised by students. Vernon Ginnis, a fifth grader at School #37 said, "We went around to all our classrooms to collect money. Some kids gave their ice cream money and some kids gave from their heart.' Tyra Webb-Johnson, principal of School #37, said, "The kids see that they can make a difference, they are the guiding force." |
