March has been a very busy month here at Vails Gate.

During our first week we celebrated Read Across America with a Scholastic book fair and a Family Reading Day. Thank you to all of our families and board members who were able to attend and share their love of literacy. Family Day was then capped off with our K-2 families coming back to school to enjoy a night of reading stories and having a Glow Party.

During the next week we had a March Madness Literacy Competition of some of our favorite books. Students read two of the selections at a time and voted on the winners. We ended the competition in a tie with both Maddie's Fridge and Pet the Cat neck and neck.

Next we had many of our students throughout the building visiting with team members from Colgate on their Dental Van. It was an engaging learning experience around dental hygiene and care. Students received an evaluation and were given a toothbrush and toothpaste.

We also had grade level assemblies. Students from each class were recognized by their teachers for strong character qualities of Compassion, Cooperation, Kindness and Honesty. We loved being able to celebrate our students with their families and classmates. These students exemplify what it means to be a leader and a Gator.

We most recently had the NED show visit to present to the 3rd and 4th grade on Growth Mindset. NED’s Mindset Mission is an entertaining 45-minute performance.  The actor used storytelling, puppetry, illusions and yoyo tricks to take our students on an exciting journey with the character NED. He followed clues, met memorable characters and learned valuable lessons along the way. 

PHOTOS | Vails Gate March Madness

Story and photos provided by Ms. Gillian Matos.