Rupley Fifth Graders Get Their Day in the Sun
Friday, May 4, was a very special day for Rupley’s fifth graders. The day was a celebration for the students and gave them the opportunity to enjoy their final month with their classmates.
The day started out with Rupley’s first annual fifth grade breakfast. In collaboration with fifth grade teachers and Rupley’s PTO, it was arranged during the school day so every student could participate. Students’ families were encouraged to attend.
Along with Rupley staff, students and their families started the morning with bagels, bakery goods, coffee, and juice. Principal Diana O’Donnell shared a book called “I Wish You More” to inspire the students to continue doing their best as they transition to Grove Jr. High.
An open microphone was provided to students, parents, and family members to share their favorite memories, and many shared powerful, warm experiences with sincere gratitude to all the Rupley staff. Students and their family members called Rupley their second home and said they are genuinely going to miss it.
The students were then called up to the podium individually by the Rupley administration, received a congratulatory handshake, and were presented with their “2018” t-shirt.
After the conclusion of the t-shirt ceremony, the fifth grade class performed their musical for their families and all of Rupley’s students and staff. Some community members from the Alexian Elk Grove Senior Center also were in attendance, as guests of fifth graders in Rupley’s 21st Century Learner Club.
This year, the musical selected was based on “Rosie Revere, Engineer” by Andrea Beaty, the beloved book about creativity and perseverance. The story follows Rosie, a quiet girl by day who works on brilliant inventions at night. Rosie’s big dream of becoming a great engineer is fueled by her desire to help her great-great-aunt Rose achieve her one unfinished goal—to fly. The story speaks to the importance of working hard to meet your goals and never giving up.
“Rosie Revere, Engineer, taught us a good life lesson – to never give up.”
5th Grade student and play narrator Kadence Pezley
According to Alison O’Konis, fine arts teacher at Rupley, the students really took ownership of the show, including acting, singing, choreographing their own dance routines, and composing their own instrumental music. The student-created inventions that were were featured in the play truly brought it to life.
For example, both parents and students in the audience roared with laughter when the student wearing “helium pants” made his debut on stage. The ingenious “flying machine” the students invented for Rosie out of a classroom chair and swimming-pool floatation sticks also received a large reaction from the audience.
O’Donnell said the inventions used in the play were all created by students, including third and fourth grader inventions that were built in their science learning experiences.
“This musical reinforced the literacy connection while supporting our CCSD59 Learning Outcomes for our students to persevere, take risks, and be innovative and creative,” she said. “The students and staff did an amazing job supporting this Fine Arts’ learning experience for our fifth graders.”
O’Konis beamed with pride throughout the show and said she really enjoyed this particular selection and its great message. “I’m so proud of our fifth grade students,” she said. “All of their practicing and hard work in class was evident from the fabulous performances they put on for the students, families, and the community.”
