Ben Franklin staff & students were in for a big surprise when they walked through the front doors on the morning of Monday, November 18th. The welcoming lobby was fit for a BF HERO!
IUP's Student Pennsylvania State Education Association (SPSEA) spent hours over the weekend and transformed our lobby area into a beautiful work of art! The SPSEA organization is staying true to their pledge to lead volunteer opportunities to help local schools. We are so grateful for the time and talent of all 25 of these amazing future educators! The effort was spearheaded by SPSEA President, Natalie Deck, along with helping hands from Cierra Stoner and Elizabeth Foreman. All three future teachers are working in classrooms at Ben Franklin for their Pre-Student Teaching experience. We are lucky to have these ladies at our school! The organization, under the direction of Dr. Mark Twiest and Dr. Meghan Twist, opportunities for SPSEA members to grow as professionals and spend time with others within the field of education.
The mural features characters from our new Social Emotional Learning curriculum, PATHS. PATHS stands for Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies. The joy on our student's faces were quite evident as they walked in and recognized story characters that are teaching them about emotions, how to deal with feelings, self-control, social competence, positive peer relations, and interpersonal problem-solving skills.
The next time you're at Ben Franklin, take a look at the rainbow over the door to the office. It features the names of each one of the talented artists and soon-to-be-teachers who 'lent a hand' to brighten up our school lobby and bring joy to our staff and students!