The first meeting of Bancroft Elementary School’s Special Friends Club was held in October. The Special Friends Club is funded by a Kennett Education Foundation Mini-Grant. The mission of the Special Friends Club is to create opportunities for the school’s life skills students to make connections with their peers. Through this club, students are able share in activities and games, giving students a chance to build relationships.

For the club’s first meeting, thirteen students from first through fifth grades gathered for Morning Meeting in Mrs. Sara Simasek’s class. After introductions, students participated in a greeting and read the Morning Message. The students then joined together in a Responsive Classroom activity called “Just Like Me.” Statements were read by Mrs. Simasek, such as “My favorite school lunch is pizza.” The special friends then responded “Just Like Me” if they agreed with the statement. Through this activity, the students discovered that they have many things in common!

After the Just Like Me activity, the students shared materials to create a pumpkin craft to take home. Everyone smiled as they displayed their finished pumpkins. The club will meet each month to continue to build understanding and friendship.

On Wednesday, October 11, 2017, Bancroft Elementary School third grade students had an ‘at school’ field trip with the Avondale Fire Company. The Avondale Fire Company has been coming to the school for several years. During the fire company’s visit, the students learned fire safety rules like stay low in a fire and find a family meeting place outside their home. The firefighters demonstrated various pieces of equipment, including a fire suit and oxygen tanks. Students were able to climb inside of the fire truck and an ambulance. The Avondale firefighters also gave a presentation inside the common area of the third grade pod where students had the opportunity to ask questions.

Bancroft Elementary School celebrated the first day of Fall Spirit Week with Hat Day. Students and staff alike wore their favorite hats and they looked fantastic.