GARRETTFORD GOOD NEWS

This year's Garrettford Student Administrators were Hayden Buxton and Luella Borders. Each fifth grade student was invited to submit an essay explaining why they should be selected as the student administrators. The competition this year was fierce. So many excellent essays were submitted and the selection team really struggled to pick the winners. Hayden and Luella did a great job shadowing Mr. Brydges and Ms. Mantzaridis. They participated in learning walks, visiting classrooms. Mr. Brydges and Ms. Mantzaridis showed them many aspects of their jobs. They helped students, did computer work and made announcements and also learned about the process of leading a school. They also enjoyed having lunch together and talking over ideas they had to improve Grarrettford.

Mrs. Lesniak is very proud of Luella Borders and Ari Edwards, who were selected to participate in the PMEA District 12 String Fest for grades 5-6, which was held at the Owen J. Roberts High School. The students were able to practice musical pieces and perform them with students from across the region, including former Garrettford students. This was a wonderful opportunity for the students. They rehearsed from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. During a break in the day, a group of high school students toured the young musicians around their "animal room." Some students were more excited about this than others, but as you can see from the pictures, Luella Borders had a great time! She pet a snake and a ferret. The day was capped off by a concert at 7 p.m. A favorite tune was Rhythm and Blues by Soon Hee Newbold.

Garrettford's first graders had a trip of a lifetime to the Philadelphia Zoo. The weather was perfect and the children were able to see so much. For many of our students, this is the first time for them to see exotic and wild animals, as well as get close up to farm animals. They also enjoyed a picnic lunch with their friends. The students had so much fun but were exhausted by the end of the trip. Several students fell asleep on the way back to school!

Certain staff members swapped places for an hour on Wacky Wednesday! It was fun for both staff and students. It also gave staff members a new perspective on their colleagues' positions. Mr. Brydges remarked how quickly a specials class flies by. Mr. Carey had fun doing announcements as our "stand in" Principal. The kids got to sing along to Sponge Bob Square Pants and then he told them because they did such a fine job, he was giving them off the following week. That, of course, was spring break but at first the students were really excited! This activity is another example of how we take the opportunity at Garrettford to make learning fun.

Third graders took a trip to Collen Brook Farm to learn about the history of Upper Darby and have a hands on experience of what Colonial life was like. It was a beautiful day to enjoy outdoor activities, games from long ago and see the work that went in to daily life in Colonial times.

Garrettford has been adopted by the Alpha Delta Mu Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and they will have volunteers come to school each month to read with the students. The members have also donated several hundred dollars worth of books for our library and plan to bring more next month. The ladies are very enthusiastic about helping our school and giving the students a leg up to succeed. We appreciate all their efforts and generosity.

Fourth grade artists explored hand-building techniques by creating clay slab mugs. Students rolled, cut, and shaped slabs to form sturdy vessels, then added personalized designs. After bisque firing, they learned glazing techniques, carefully applying color and finish to bring their mugs to life. Each piece reflects both craftsmanship and creativity, resulting in functional works of art. The Royal Artists and Mr. Carey are very proud of their hard work.

In April, the District held a fitness day at Drexel Hill Middle School. Each elementary school participated in many activities and challenges geared toward developing good physical fitness. Mr. McGlensey and several fifth graders participated. They all enjoyed the competition and made new friends, too.

Garrettford Elementary School

3830 Garrett Road

Drexel Hill, PA 19026

Principal Allen Brydges

Assistant Principal Kelly Mantzaridis

(610) 626-9168