There is an amazing new program happening at Lincoln Elementary School. It is called Soar Squad. It is a time where students build relationships with other students who aren’t in their class or are in a different grade level. They play games together while they learn about important topics like being safe. Mrs. Gatzemeyer said, “It is important that every student in the school feels like they have trusted adults and are respected and cared for when they are at school.” Soar squad is a way to make sure that happens.
Soar Squad tends to be on Thursdays. The leader of each squad is usually a staff member and there are about six or seven kids in each squad. Mrs. Gatzemeyer plans activities for all squads for the week. They usually learn about bullying, responsibilities, or other lessons. They have done projects like painting or making bracelets. Sometimes they get to have special lunch and recess with their squad too.
Would you like to know how Soar Squad was created? Mrs. Gatzemeyer heard a podcast where a middle school principal was doing something cool at their school. It was like Buddies”, something students used to do at Lincoln Elementary School. At the same time, Mrs. Torbert was also thinking about starting something like a mentor program. They shared the idea with other teachers and the program began. A staff member named Ms. Wilkinson thought of the name “Soar Squad”, and it was a hit with the teachers.
Students are mostly happy about the change. Fourth grader Rhian said she likes hanging out with people and the activities they get to do. Second grader Carter said it's fun to get to work with kids from other grades and that he helps them. Newer students are also happy to get to know other students that they never knew before they came to this great school.
