Success isn’t something hoped for at Cedar Valley (CV) Elementary; it is expected from every student. “We believe all kids are capable of success, NO EXCEPTIONS,” said Trish Stallard, Cedar Valley principal. Hope a keyword that helps students pave the way for success by giving each student something to dream and obtain. This year, Cedar Valley partnered with the community and created a March to Your Future month, which ended with a Tunnel of Hope celebration. Throughout March, scholars (students) learned about four destinations for their futures: education and career, home and family, hobbies and recreation, and community and service.

Cedar Valley staff support students by using specific language, believing in students, and helping students imagine what they can become. According to Stallard, as a “Kids at Hope” school:

1. Scholars are viewed as “at-hope” instead of “at-risk” because a growth mindset is a powerful tool. 
2. Scholars are surrounded by adults who believe in them. CV partners with other adults in the KSD community to encourage scholar success. 
3. Scholars are provided opportunities to imagine their futures.

On March 31, staff and scholars dressed for their futures and walked through a Tunnel of Hope made up of family members and community partners, including Covington City Council, Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce, Puget Sound Fire, KSD Board President Leslie Hamada, and Interim Superintendent Israel Vela. The scholars and staff received a warm celebration with signs and cheers from the KSD community. Students wore signs and dressed up as what they wanted to be when they grow up based on the destinations they learned throughout March, such as a therapist for kids, police officer, flight attendant, doctor, postal worker, and more. “This was a hope-filled morning, and we are so grateful for the community support,” said Stallard.

Article Source: Kent Meridian High School