Longview School - Let Learning Soar

When the call went out that volunteers were needed for the Longview Xtreme Makeover, it was wonderful to see so many Foothills School Division employees step forward to lend a hand. The Village of Longview Community Playground/ Exercise Park and Serenity Garden/ Veteran's Memorial Build occurred on Saturday, October 15th from 8:00am to 3:00pm. There were volunteers from almost every department of Foothills School Division including individuals from maintenance, transportation, support staff, teachers and administrators. Thank you to Aaron Hummel (Maintenance), Maureen Parker and Kendra Harding (Transportation), Lynda Winfield (Support Staff), Chet Musgrove (Teacher), Karen Wight, David Roberts and Caroline Roberts (Administration). It was also great to see so many parents and students from Longview School, as well as, members of the community giving back to the Village. A special thank you must be extended to Michele Geistlinger who has played a big part in organizing this project as the Longview A R C Society-Chair and Longview A.C.E. Team Leader. Active participation in improving the community is grounded in pride people have for Longview. It is hoped that this park will provide individuals the opportunity to connect socially and build relationships through recreational activities which help build a stronger healthier community.
A modern playground, fitness equipment around the perimeter of the park, new benches, picnic tables and litter receptacles were installed. On build day, everyone was busy assembling equipment, spreading gravel and landscaping with big smiles on their faces. The playground build project was broadcast live around the world via the worldwide web and thanks to Mrs. Winfield (videographer) and Longview student reporters Felicia and Lillianna McIntosh. As a Let Them Be Kids community, the project was featured on their internet broadcast network. Longview was lucky enough to have received one of thirty national Let Them be kids awards which meant they matched dollar for dollar in donations raised. I know the students of Longview School are very much looking forward to using all the new equipment. On build day, many memories were made, friendships forged and the weather cooperated.
The support from Longview School and students in this ACE (Active Creative and Engaged) community project over the past two years has been important. Even though we are a small school we think, act and dream big. We have big goals and big ideas. Our size does not limit us, but provides us the opportunity to be innovative and creative in our approaches. Longview School has a family-like atmosphere and is a place that cares. By caring we preserve and respect the traditions of our school while allowing for growth, change and improvement. It is important to learn from the past, live in the present and plan for the future. Our school is a supportive environment that empowers students, staff and parents to do their best and be involved. We believe and need to step forward and not back when things need to be done.
There is heart and soul in everything that goes on at our school and it is the staff, students and community that fosters this. Our school and community embraces individuals that are caring, genuine, positive, friendly, kind and have a good sense of humour. We are a team at Longview School where everyone plays an important role, has responsibilities and high expectations. Longview Students are very proud of their school and community. They take pride in being an eagle and proudly wear the school colours of blue and gold. EAGLES stand for E (Engaged), A (Academic and Athletic), G (Goal Setters), L (Leaders), E (Excellence Achievers), S (School Spirit Promoters). These words are about the qualities, characteristics and behaviors we expect from and foster in our students.
Our School Improvement Plan at Longview School focuses on student engagement and how we can go about understanding it and improving upon it. We believe that when students understand and work on the characteristics of responsible learning they are more engaged in their learning and achieve better academically. The Characteristics of Responsible Learners include confidence, respect, independence, work habits and citizenship. These characteristics are a reflection of student engagement. These characteristics are a very important piece in learning and leading an active, creative and engaged life. It is wonderful to see Foothills School Division employees, students, parents and community members modeling these characteristics and giving back to the community. Thank You!