THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 2, 1995 TAG: 9503310236
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 62 lines
The point is not just to recognize academic achievement. There's the honor roll for that.
Neither is it to give a pat on the back for good behavior. It's expected.
When a student is named ``Student of the Month'' for the classroom, it's a recognition of all-around effort.
``We want students who try, whose behavior is good, who get along with other students,'' said Deborah Robertson, a first-grade teacher at Kilby Shores Elementary School.
Similar standards apply at other schools that have ``Student of the Month'' honors.
While teachers at various grade levels do not confer, it is not unusual for siblings to share the honor. At Kilby Shores, five sets of siblings had been selected by late February.
As Principal Sunny Dixon sees it, ``What happens at home affects all the children there.''
Carol Carnegie, whose children, third-grader Alice and first-grader Aaron, were among recipients of the February honors, said: ``We try to support and encourage our children. We follow through with what we say. We do a lot of things together.''
She teaches second grade at Kilby Shores. Her husband, Jim, is assistant principal at John F. Kennedy Middle School. Another son, Adam, an eighth-grade student at John Yeates Middle School, also receives honors.
``I was chosen in all my grades,'' Alice said. ``In the second grade, I got picked twice.''
Robertson said: ``A lot of children will get the honor at least once a year. These are the very dependable, good role models.''
She added: ``Receiving the honor shows that they're taught at home, that they have parents who care what's going on. It's also a pat on the back to the parents.''
Winning Kilby Shores students get a prize from the principal's office, a coupon for ice cream, and a certificate. Letters are sent home congratulating the family.
``This is a good way to show something positive,'' Robertson said.
Robertson's prototype of Student of the Month: ``a role model type, willing to help out in the classroom. You don't have to speak to them, and they're very cooperative.''
Other siblings chosen Student of the Month at Kilby Shores this year include:
Lee Ann Ward, second grade; Douglas Ward, fourth grade.
Katie Byrd, first grade; Kelsey Byrd, pre-schooler.
Twins Braden and Briana Crosson, third grade; Brenna Crosson, fourth grade.
Twins Kate and John Rawles, first grade; Ginger Rawles, third grade.
Kristen Myers, second grade; Melissa Myers, kindergarten. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
Aaron and Alice Carnegie were among the sets of siblings to win the
Student of the Month honor in February.
by CNB