Spanish Lake Elementary students learn 'Values Matter'

The “values matter for the month” of December at Spanish Lake Elementary School featured citizenship. Sharon Wallen’s fifth grade students went caroling and visited each class throughout the school singing Bob Marley’s “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” and Louis Armstrong’s “What A Wonderful World”.
During daily morning announcements students shared the duties, obligations and functions of a citizen. They recited The Preamble to The Constitution and shared its meaning. They discussed dreams for a peaceful today and a better tomorrow featuring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s speech “I Have A Dream” and talked about The Statue of Liberty and her torch opening our doors to others.
For her 17th year in the spirit of good citizenship Wallen’s class is participating in the 24th annual H.O.P.E. contest which is sponsored to help overcome pet euthanasia and help pets every day. This year the contest focuses on making pet ownership less expensive and to ensure pets get the love and care they need.
Students answer packet questions, develop a multimedia project for community awareness and often do a collection of food for animals and pet supplies for a local shelter. The contest is sponsored by The Humane Society of Greater Miami, Adopt-A-Pet, and Miami Dade County Animal Services.
Several students’ comments demonstrate the consciousness that was raised by the contest. Frankie Jackson said, “It has made me more empathetic towards life. Put yourself in the animal’s place. The animal cruelty could be a human being. I must be a part of stopping it.”
Roselyn Riveras said, “Lessons learned have made us more aware of what’s happening in our community and I can now do something to make a difference.”
“These are lifelong lessons for our community and the world to care for animals and treat them humanely,” said Justine Lahor.
Adelia Escorcia added, “We’ve learned so much but especially to be more passionate towards animals.”
For additional information, contact medelgado@dadeschools.net.