There was plenty to celebrate from Edgewood Intermediate School at October's FTCSC School Board meeting! Edgewood Principal Brook Wessel-Burke started the evening by recognizing three teachers who stepped up to Make A Difference for their students and school community: Madison Rumpke, Sheri Burk, and Evelyn Fletcher.

All three teachers are new to Edgewood this year, but each brings a special connection to our FTCSC Flashes Community. Madison, a sixth-grade Science teacher and FC graduate, was once one of Mrs. Wessel-Burke's students at Bunker Hill Elementary! Sheri previously taught in the same building when it was Franklin Township Middle School West, and Evelyn joined Edgewood this year as a fifth-grade Math teacher.

When the school year began, Edgewood needed teachers to lead its Student Council, with Homecoming already right around the corner. Madison, Sheri, and Evelyn didn't hesitate to step up! Together, they helped students organize their participation in the Homecoming parade, find ways to celebrate Edgewood staff, and begin planning a canned food drive to support the SPARK Center.

But they didn't stop there! The teachers are also helping students take the lead in creating videos that demonstrate Edgewood's schoolwide expectations and positive behaviors. The students are writing scripts, acting, and recording videos that will be used throughout the school to help teach and reinforce positive behaviors.

"That's Purposeful Learning and Meaningful Collaboration in action," Mrs. Wessel-Burke shared, highlighting how students are working together, using their talents, and creating something that benefits their entire school community.

Then it was the students' turn to be celebrated! Mrs. Fletcher recognized Edgewood's Student Council members for the leadership, teamwork, and initiative they have already demonstrated this school year. She shared how the students have taken ownership of their projects, particularly the schoolwide expectations videos, developing the ideas and leading the creative process themselves. "They did everything," Mrs. Fletcher shared, emphasizing how proud she is of the students for stepping up as leaders.

Student Council members are also planning future fundraising opportunities to support their school and community, including the upcoming canned food drive.

As Mrs. Wessel-Burke reminded everyone, "Leadership means stepping up. It means working together, and it means making a difference for others."

It was another great night celebrating our FTCSC Flashes Community members at Edgewood Intermediate School! These teachers are Making A Difference by creating opportunities for Purposeful Learning and Meaningful Collaboration, while helping their students discover how they can Make A Difference for others!