All of our schools across District 64 do an excellent job creating a community within their buildings. This week, Communications Specialist Chris Lilly shows everyone how Carpenter Elementary School does that with their Cougar Dens.
You can view the video of the experience here.
Carpenter Principal Brett Balduf gets on the loudspeaker towards the end of the school day and announces, "Teachers, you can start having your students go to their dens." The quiet hallways erupt excitedly as students move to a different class for their Cougar Den.
What is a Cougar Den? It's a family within the school! Each den comprises students from each grade...so kindergarten through 5th grade, and they meet every month to do fun team-building activities.
We got to hang out in Ms. Lies' room for the first Cougar Den of the year. Her Cougar Den is known as the Leapin' Lies' Learners! The activities started as the class gathered in a circle and went around, introducing themselves and what grade they were in. After introductions, the Leapin' Lies Learners got to work designing their version of their den logos.
Once the artwork was finished, it was time to open a good book and listen to How Full is Your Bucket for Kids. The book reinforced being kind to others. With their buckets full, the Leapin Lies Learners are ready to be kind, give others compliments, and make new friends. The best part is that they get to do it with the help of their Cougar Den!