Third Graders Make an IMPACT
By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Tim Ryckman
Third-grade students at Buffalo Ridge Elementary demonstrate several ways they make an IMPACT at a recent all-school assembly and evening performance. All BRE students have focused on IMPACT (Inspiring Minds while Promoting Achievement by Collaborating Together) this year.
Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) recently returned to a grade level performance tradition that’s been on hold since 2020 – the Third Grade Show. All third grade students participated. The students worked closely with art, music and physical education teachers for several weeks to prepare. They learned songs and speaking parts in music class; dance moves in PE; and created digital art during their art classes, which served as a backdrop for the performance.
This year’s theme was IMPACT, an acronym for Inspiring Minds while Promoting Achievement by Collaborating Together. “IMPACT was chosen because we’ve had it as part of our school theme this year. I built the show around the theme,” said music teacher Cathy Denault. “The kids performed songs and dances that represented each word of the acronym and spoke about ways they can make a positive impact on the people and situations around them,” Denault continued.
IMPACT was the theme for the Third Grade Show, when students and teachers collaborated to create a production filled with art, singing and dancing. This was the first all-grade production since 2020.
Sixty-two third graders performed twice, once in front of their peers at a school assembly and then again for parents and other family and friends during an evening performance. They sang six songs – Make an IMPACT, Put on Your Thinking Cap, Learn to Read, Give with Your Heart, Together, and Go Be Awesome.
While BRE typically produces a few of the grade level shows each year, they have gotten out of practice with prior COVID restrictions.
The Third Grade Show allowed students to perform together and like Alana R., shine individually, as each student participated.
Getting back into the swing of putting on a performance when one hadn’t been done in two years was a bit challenging for Denault and her specials teacher cohort. “This was our first big performance since COVID hit in 2020. We were thrilled to be able to perform for families again,” she said.
The collaboration between teachers is a strength at BRE. Together, they created a special show and learning opportunity for the kids, explained Denault. The students caught the collaborative spirit and were willing to work hard individually to create a great show together.
“The kids loved doing the show and talked to me about how all the hard work was worth it. They were so proud of themselves and the product they got to share,” said Denault.
