Congratulations to our district Student of the Month 3rd grader Ryleigh Spain! She is featured in the February 22nd edition of The Observer thanks to our friends at First Central State Bank.
Ryleigh Spain was nominated for student of the month by Ekstrand Elementary teachers Tori Grantz and Jamie Waleszonia. Ryleigh was praised for her giving nature and going above and beyond in showing compassion toward others in the classroom.
Ryleigh enjoys helping others which is something she learned about at home where she helps take care of her three younger siblings. At school, Ryleigh often lends a hand to her peers without being asked. Not only are Mrs. Grantz and Mrs. Waleszonia grateful for how helpful Ryleigh is, they also appreciate that she leads with kindness, patience, and respect.
“She has proven her ability to include everyone in our classroom, regardless of their needs or differences,” Mrs. Grantz said. “She is a great example of the "E" in SABER. She shows that everyone matters.”
Recently, Ryleigh's thoughtfulness evolved into a classroom business. She helped form a group of students who are creating desktop coasters to give as gifts. The students take orders letting the customers choose the colors for their coaster (purple and gold being the most popular). Then the students work together to build the coasters on a weaving loom. Each one is delivered with a smile and a handmade thank you card. Ryleigh said the customers are happy to receive the coasters and she hopes it brightens their day.
“This is just another way Ryleigh spreads happiness wherever she goes. We are so proud to have her in our classroom,” Mrs. Grantz said.
