Poughkeepsie Middle School’s RISE recognitions in February featured a double dose of fun to cap the first half of the year.
The school for its second-quarter celebration held a group assembly for all grades featuring the Zuzu African Acrobats. Then, the school took the nearly 250 students who made the honor roll this past quarter to Fun Max Indoor Adventure Park in Wappingers Falls.
“We want our students to feel the literal joy of success,” Assistant Principal for Climate and Culture Danielle Green said. “When they see their hard work rewarded in real-time, it builds a momentum that carries right back into our hallways. We are incredibly proud of them, and we want them to feel that pride in themselves.”
PMS holds RISE assemblies each quarter. In addition to recognizing academic success, school leadership awards certificates to students who have embodied the RISE principles of respecting others, involving themselves in learning, showing responsibility and ensuring the safety of themselves and others. Three students were selected by grade-level leadership as “RISE Champions” for their grade and awarded wrestling-style championship belts. Others, those selected to the “RISE Advisory Committee” that will meet with Principal Barrington Atkins, were given medals.
“We need student voice,” Green said. “They’re looking forward to it. They went through an interview process to be accepted.”
In all, 27% of all students in the building made the honor roll with an average of 85 or better and in good standing with each of their classes.
The assembly included a student vocal performance of the national anthem, “America the Beautiful” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” a student drumming performance led by music teacher Mike Colucci, and a cheerleading routine. The Zuzu African Acrobats show featured dancing, drumming and balancing acts, including a limbo routine in which students were able to join in.
On Feb. 26, the school took 240 honor roll students for a VIP experience at Fun Max, with the facility closed to the public.
Atkins noted that the trip was a direct reflection of the students’ commitment to showing up and exceeding goals. He emphasized when more than a quarter of the school is passing every class and meeting expectations, it deserves a landmark experience that shows students how effort leads to opportunity.
Science teacher Kelly A. Lewis, who joined the celebration, said it was a true pleasure to see the scholars shine outside the classroom setting. She noted the students were exceptionally well-behaved ambassadors for the school, making the day a wonderful experience for everyone involved.
The school is seeking to extend that positivity into March, including the launch of “No Referral March,” a schoolwide effort to reduce discipline referrals by reinforcing clear expectations, positive behavior and respectful decision-making. A trip to the Majed J. Nesheiwat Convention Center for ice skating is also in the works. The month will conclude with the “RISE into the Madness” spirit week, which will merge the excitement of March Madness college basketball with college and career readiness elements.