School gives out BARK awards

On September 26, Ekalaka Elementary School held its August/September Behavior BARK Awards. BARK, a new program implemented by Ekalaka Public Schools Guidance Counselor Carol Spencer, stands for Be Respectable, Act Responsible, Remember Safety, and Kindness matters.

Each month the students will work on a specific character trait, and this month was respect. Kindergarten through sixth-grade teachers each chose a student or students with behaviors revolving around a behavior. The following are the winners for showing respect in and outside the classroom.

The kindergarten BARK recipient was Jennings Walker! Jennings displays respectful qualities every day in the classroom. Please and thank you are a staple within his vocabulary. Another excellent example for this student is helping other students out. Jennings can see where a sweet smile, hug, or a helping hand is needed. Congratulations to Jennings Walker, on his BARK award.

The winner of the BARK award from the first grade was McCoy Montgomery. He demonstrates being respectable every day with his excellent manners. McCoy is always polite and listens to others. In a class of all boys, he never yells or tries to talk over his classmates.

The second-grade winner of the BARK award was Bristol Stieg. Bristol is a great role model for being respectable by following the golden rule, treating others as you would like to be treated. Bristol respects all of her teachers by listening carefully and following directions.

Masa Hammel was selected to represent the third grade. Masa shows respect inside and outside the classroom. When the teacher speaks, he listens and follows the instructions respectfully. Additionally, he advises his classmates to be polite and respectful and always pays attention to the teacher.

The winner of the fourth-grade award was Rayna Owen. She is always respectful towards classmates by listening to what they say without interrupting. She is also respectful towards the teachers by waiting for directions and raising her hand.

Cai Jesperson is the respectful recipient in the fifth grade. Cai strives to be a role model for following classroom expectations. She also encourages others to make good choices. Cai is very respectful to all in all she does. A second winner of the BARK award in the fifth grade was Cortland O'Connor. Cortland always follows directions when given. He assists others to be on task and to do their best in all assignments.

The sixth-grade BARK award winner was Allie Shepherd. Allie is a good listener and politely seeks to understand when unsure. She always says "please" and "thank you," accepts all her classmates, and does her best to help when she can.

Mrs. Spencer was thankful to all students for their hard work. They continue to set the bar high and make Ekalaka Elementary School proud. Students will be working on responsibility this month, and the school will have the next BARK awards assembly at the end of October.