BALANCE – Live your best life
Balance is about considering everything that’s meaningful and important to us when we make choices about how we spend our time and energy. When we find the right balance we are happy, healthy, productive, and fulfilled.
3rd: Mack Rinker
Every morning all the teachers look forward to a good morning greeting and a high five from Mack Rinker. Not because they have requested it or it is a nice thing to do, it is just part of being around Mack; he goes out of his way to turn every day tasks into meaningful, exciting, or even sometimes silly ones, while still maintaining his focus on being a quality student and friend. When we enter the classroom, Mack immediately turns off his silliness and does what he is supposed to be doing to complete his schoolwork; he sometimes has to take breaks to help a classmate or seek help, but he makes sure he does his best school work without getting frustrated or upset if something needs to be changed. Once recess starts, Mack is back to playing with his friend. He can be caught playing a variety of sports on the field and putting his full effort into whatever game his friends are playing. If someone else is not playing by the rules or is not playing it exactly as Mack wants, instead of getting mad, he takes a break and moves on, or compromises, and continues to play without making a big deal out of small problems. Back in the building, Mack makes sure to greet everyone along the way (usually with another high five) and then gets right back to what needs to be done. If something gets canceled or changed, no complaints come from Mack; he is able to adjust without warning. School work is typically easy for Mack, but there are times when he is frustrated and could easily give up or not try; but he does not! He makes sure he does what is needed at the moment. At lunch, he is able to sit with anyone and carry on a conversation; he is welcoming to all students. After school, Mack makes sure to tell his teachers good-bye (usually with another high- five (or the occasional hug), and then he continues his day with a variety of sports and activities (football and swimming are commonly talked about) which take up a lot of his focus and energy. He also reports that he helps take care of a new baby sister (mostly the fun stuff, not the gross stuff), goes to Gillette frequently to hang out with dad, reads, and helps with chores. All of this done with a smile on his face and great attitude! With Mack’s ability to handle big and small challenges with a great attitude to go with the flow, he clearly models what the Key of Balance should look like on a daily basis.
4th: Zella Fletcher
Zella became a CPES cougar only a few months ago and she positively demonstrated the key of balance right from the beginning. While creating magnificent art, having a love for reading, and spending time with family in her free time, she takes pride in her academics, and has made an amazing transition alongside 4th grade cougars. Zella’s calm presence around everything and everyone is admirable. She goes with the flow and is willing to jump right into all of our projects and crazy spring time happenings with an amazing positive attitude. Though she might not know it, Zella’s is an exceptional role model for her peers as she always has a positive outlook, she makes wise decisions, has the ability to problem solve, take responsibility seriously, and uses feedback to reach high level learning goals. Being able to do all of that shows great balance. I am very lucky to have Zella in my class, even for a part of the year. I am excited to watch her grow and continue her strength of balance as a fifth grader. Congratulations Zella for earning the Key of Balance!
5th: Kiana Miller
Kiana is an incredible example of what it means to live a balanced life. She spends her time doing the things that are important to her, like swimming, classes to show her horse for 4H, and helping animals at the shelter. Even with all of these activities, she continues to be an outstanding student and a kind, supportive friend to everyone around her. She shows that when you care about something, you can make the time and effort to succeed in many areas of your life.Balance means making good choices about how we spend our time and energy, and Kiana does just that. She shows that staying in balance isn’t just about doing a lot of things — it’s about choosing the right things and giving them your best effort. Whether it's helping a friend, caring for animals, or working hard in school, Kiana always makes thoughtful choices. Because of her dedication, kindness, and hard work, she is a wonderful role model for others. I am so proud of you, Kiana!