Wilder Elementary embraces new school slogan to set tone for school year

Wilder Elementary is approaching the school year with a theme students overwhelmingly approved last spring: “Celebrating Minds of All Kinds.”

On Friday, students and staff members gathered for a school-wide pep rally to kick off their plans for applying the theme in the classroom, across the building and among students. Each student and staff member received t-shirts — in different colors based on grade level — with the slogan.

During the assembly, teachers performed a skit that showcased the various ways students learn and the different ways their minds work. Counselor Natalie Cross sang about the return to school to the tune of Taylor Swift’s “Cruel Summer” — with teachers serving as back-up dancers. 

Principal Dr. Victoria Hazlett guided students on an affirmation inspired by the school equity team’s work with Dr. Christopher Travers, a visiting assistant professor at the Center for Black Studies at Denison University that will become a daily practice across the building.

School leaders also introduced the school’s new morning song, “It’s Going to be a Good Day,” that will be played across the building at the start of the day. The event also gave school leaders and teachers an opportunity to discuss procedures and expectations and first-grade teacher Kate Mantenieks led a breathing activity to help students regulate during the day.

“We want to empower student voice,” Hazlett said. 

“I want them to understand that all of them learn in different ways. My message to them is that you may prefer to learn in one particular way but it doesn't mean these other ways may not be helpful too. We want you to figure out what works best for you and when it works best for you.”