DARE/Piano

Anna & Officer Valesquez
Anna returned to school this week after spring break to several activities. The highlights this week:  DARE graduation and her annual piano recital.

The 5th grade students at St. Mark get to participate in the Drug and Abuse Resistance Education (DARE).  This is an 8-week program that is taught by a local police officer.    This year Officer Valesquez from the Vienna police department taught the St. Mark 5th graders - his very first class.  The class focuses on teaching strategies for kids to make good choices in dealing with drugs, alcohol, and bullying.  As Officer Valesquez stated at the graduation ceremony, he will always remember this class. 

The kids were asked to put together either skits or posters for the ceremony.  One day, Anna came home from school quite incensed with her teacher about the preparation.  Apparently he told them they could use whatever props they wanted for their presentation.  He then banned all props after one group of boys had the entire class rolling paper cigarettes (Anna was quite proud of the artistic cigarettes she and her friends made). The most memorable part of the graduation ceremony was the conclusion when the principal asked the students how kids get started with alcohol.  Cooper immediately raised his hand and proclaimed they get it from their parents or when their parents drink too much (his mother was  red-faced in the back). It was a fun ceremony and a great way for kids to have a positive experience with law enforcement.  Anna enjoyed the program.
Mrs. Brauer, Anna, & neighbors Sumay & Arjun

Anna followed the graduation with her annual piano recital.  This is her 6th year with piano and she is really getting some fun pieces.  Next door neighbors Sumay and Arjun also take lessons from the same teacher and participated in the festivities. 

Perhaps the best part of the week was the announcement that the school year will be ending sooner than planned thanks to the lack of snow days.  This is a first!  Only 7 more weeks of school!


Anna performs at her recital

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