MADISON — At their Feb. 21 regular meeting, the Madison City Board of Education had the opportunity to learn how three programs are making a difference in the lives of elementary, middle and high school students.

COLUMBIA: STUDENT 2 STUDENT

Columbia Elementary Principal Jamie Hill introduced his school’s Elementary Student 2 Student (ES2S) Ambassadors program, which he said is in its third year at Columbia.

“We’re growing, and we have a very diverse group,” Hill said. “We’re very pleased, and these are students that meet certain criteria and also receive teacher recommendations, but we also have a pretty open enrollment to the program.” He said the program has 100-percent acceptance. “Their ultimate goal is to ease in the transition with our military-connected families.”

Three of those ambassadors shared what they enjoy about being involved in the program.

A third-grader said she has enjoyed making friends through ES2S. “I love how I get to help out at PTA events and to help other kids and making new friends,” she said.

A fifth-grade ambassador noted the various events that ES2S puts on at Columbia as one of his favorite aspects. “I like being a Columbia Elementary ES2S ambassador because we get to do fun stuff with new students and military-related kids,” he said. “We make bags with goodies in them for the new students, and we have a day called ‘Purple Up Day’ where we have a day to thank military families. We also have an event called ‘New Student Social’ where we get to play games with new students.”

Hill said this social is put on twice a year and serves as a fun way for kids to connect over games, popcorn and ice cream. “It’s a pretty big deal at Columbia,” he added. In addition, he said the social can open students’ eyes to how many other students in the school are new, whether military-connected or not.

“This program helps me learn about helping each other in many different situations,” said another fifth-grader. “I also like about ES2S that we get involved with many different school activities.”

April will be an “important time” at Columbia, according to Hill. Since April is designated as the Month of the Military Child, students at Columbia will “purple up,” and there will be activities across the school district.

LIBERTY: CHOIR

The Liberty Middle School choir put their talents on display as they performed a song they wrote for the school’s Veteran’s Day celebration.

“The talent, as you all know, across our district is second to none,” said LMS Principal Shannon Brown. “… I’m so proud and honored to be part of Liberty Middle School because our kids—they do things that just absolutely are simply amazing. They’re so talented. They’re so blessed. They work so hard to do the things that they do.”

The students sang a moving song thanking veterans for their sacrifices, specifically for “going to defend our homes,” “trekking through the trenches and the mountains” and “fighting ’til the end of dawn.”

“Our hearts will go on and on to say, ‘thank you,’” they sang out. A few veterans were also in attendance.

Board President Ranae Bartlett said she and board member Connie Spears attended the Veterans Day celebration at Liberty Middle School. “We heard this song, and I was so moved, and I was crying, actually, as I left the school,” Bartlett said. “… We were so moved by the entire celebration, but that song—awesome.”

“I don’t know how, but we’ve got the 11,000 best kids in America,” said Superintendent Robby Parker following the performance. “… Everywhere we go, we’ve got excellence. … That made my night. That was outstanding.”

LMS’ choir director, Alicia Mulloy, offered her own talents  by providing the song’s accompaniment on the acoustic guitar. She also thanked the board for their continued support of music programs. “Our mission at Liberty Middle School for the choir is to inspire and challenge passionate learners, fearless leaders and children with exceptional character, and that’s exactly what these students are, so we’re so happy to share our music with you,” she added.

The students said their song can be heard on YouTube.

BEST BUDDIES

According to Michelle Hyams, MCS got started with the Best Buddies program this year. “We are the first chapter in the state of Alabama in a high school, and Mrs. Harvey has been so amazing that she said, ‘We’re going middle school,’” Hyams said.

High school students and a few Liberty Middle School students showed their support during the presentation. Currently, the Best Buddies program is combined between the two high schools and is also at Liberty. Hyams said Best Buddies fit in naturally at Liberty thanks to their Helping Hands program. They are now working to put Best Buddies in Discovery Middle School as well.

Hyams also shared an exciting proposal: to hold and host a “Spread the Word: Inclusion” concert for Best Buddies International Friday, April 26. She said the concert would support the Alabama chapter “that doesn’t exist because we’re brand new.” According to Hyams, there are already more than 200 members. The University of Alabama and Auburn University each have the program on their campuses as well.

“What we wanted to do was bring in some local talent, and Best Buddies wants to bring in an ambassador, so we searched high and low, and we found The Beasley Brothers,” Hyams announced. University of South Florida participant Christina Hundley, a Best Buddies International ambassador and a member of the STAGES program, is also set to be a part of the concert.

“It’s great that we have so many different schools spreading (inclusion) and representing it,” Hyams added.

Best Buddies also holds a monthly event and has done fun activities ranging from dances, games, run-outs onto the football field and a “decorating cupcake war.” Thanks to generous sponsorship, all monthly events are free. Members of all Best Buddies chapters now also have the opportunity to attend a book club at the Madison Public Library every other Thursday night.

In addition, Best Buddies brought in more than $500 from a “spirit weekend” through IHOP.

“It’s interesting to me to see how people outside the school district are coming in and saying, ‘Hey, can we partner with you guys? Can we get together?’” Hyams said.

Students involved in the program will also hopefully be able to attend an upcoming Best Buddies conference in Indiana.