A Day in the Life of a Cushman Elementary School Student

At 8:15, the morning bell is rung by a sixth grader and the students gather in the patio. The morning poem and flag salute are recited, the birthday ribbons are bestowed and announcements are made about sports, dress down days and community service. As the students enter their classrooms to organize themselves for the day, their teachers shake their hands, inviting them to come and learn together. The day of a Cushman Elementary School student begins with traditions, a sense of camaraderie and the understanding that being of good character is at the heart of a life well lived.

A day of academics, art, music, physical education, library, Chinese and Spanish ensues, infused with the active teaching of Cushman’s core virtues--- industry, courtesy and responsibility. The topics are enhanced by technology and seamlessly intertwine to create a picture of learning for each student while at the same time leaving a blank slate for imagination to take root in reality. At Cushman, our goal is to teach children “how to think not what to think.”

At 3:00 p.m. as the day comes to a close, the bell is rung again as a call to the flag ceremony where the elementary students congregate to finish the day, lower the flag and hear announcements before heading home, to an after school sport or club, or perhaps to afterschool help, library or study hall. The students depart with another handshake, another gathering of our learning community and with the assurance that their talents are recognized, their challenges supported and with the knowledge that they are a valued member of our school.