Salt Point Center students are learning public speaking and socialization skills and having fun doing it as part of a new morning routine.
Students volunteer and are selected by their teachers to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and do morning announcements each day.
On their day, they head down to receptionist Lisa Chanowsky’s office and, at 8:55 a.m., they introduce themselves and then recite the Pledge of Allegiance, give the weather, announce birthdays and tell the building what’s for lunch.
“They have the option to say the whole thing or just do a part of it,” Chanowsky said, adding that they can often ad-lib. Some students have told jokes while others have burst into song.
Previously done by a staff member, the new program engages students and lets their personalities shine.
The program started Jan. 9 and has featured more than 50 students, some of whom have done it multiple times, like Reagan Albach.
Albach’s enthusiasm radiated through the speakers as she addressed the school Tuesday. It was the 13-year-old’s third time doing it.
“I love doing the lunch part,” she said, “I like talking about lunch.”
Some students are more reserved than others, and Albach had this advice for them: “You can do it.”
Albach enjoys math worksheets at SPC and her favorite book to read is “Where the Wild Things Are.”
Chanowsky enjoys the experience and sees the positive impact it has on students.
“It builds their confidence. I have seen so many students come down and they are very nervous and they just want to say the Pledge, but by the end they are smiling,” she said. “It’s heartwarming to see that.”
One student even came to her for a second turn and said they were not as nervous as they were before.
The more students do it the more clearly they speak, she observed.
Another positive aspect is that if any staff or students are in the lobby area at the end of the announcements, the students are given a rousing round of applause.
