Naples School – A Legacy of Love

February 27, 2013
By Karen Lemley
First grade teacher, Naples Elementary

One of February’s holidays is Valentines Day, a day that is cherished by children as they exchange Valentines with their classmates and loved ones. Love is really an important part of any relationship that works well, and it is a big part of the daily life at Naples School.

The mission statement of the school includes the word love; “To Leave a Legacy of Love and Lifelong Learning,” and this has been the motto for many years now.

So many individuals contribute to this feeling, including the students, staff, family members, volunteers and the community. Just walking into the office and being greeted by secretary Linda Lee’s smile and kind words warms the hearts of parents, visitors, volunteers and delivery people.

Students are the most important part of our school. Teachers greet arriving students each day with smiles and caring words, and likewise students arrive with enthusiasm, hugs and questions of what the day will bring. When asked about what they love about their school this is what a few students had to say:

Addison from kindergarten said that she loves the special classes because she gets to be with her teacher Mrs. McDonald.

“She’s really nice and she’s the best teacher. She helps me when someone is mean. I love her.”

Brady from first grade loves that we learn to get smarter and said that in school our brains start to work so that when we grow up we’ll know more things.

Annabeth, who is also from the first grade, said, “There are lots of people to help you and friends when you’re hurt, they’re wonderful!”

Marcus from the second grade loves the big playground and that the teachers are nice and kind. When he fell, Mrs. Hampton helped him up. He also loves being with friends he’s known since pre-school.

Another second grader, Malia, loves that school feels safe and that if anything bad happens the school deals with it.

When asked about what else she loved she said, “The Magnet classes are good for different ages and grades. We all know each other, help each other and we are all friends and nice to each other.”

When some of the fifth graders were asked what they loved, Jamie said, “All the teachers are friendly and nice. Teachers always have smiles and tell us, 'Hooray, another day!'”

Hannah loves that everyone is nice and thinks that this is because people treat others how they would want to be treated.

Teachers and support staff work closely together to create this loving and caring environment.

As Kathy Hampton, the second grade teacher, put it, “a small school gives the family feel. I’ve worked here for many years, my children went to school here, and I’m still teaching here. The staff gets along well, works well together and we have fun together.”

Steve Alverez, who teaches third and fourth grades, had the following to say, “I love knowing the kindergarten students and watching them go through the grades. What I like most is that it’s a close and friendly environment. The students are children, not grades or points for a school. The kids mean much more to us than the test scores."

Our school cook, Marie, had the following to say about Naples students, “They are so polite in the lunch line because they are taught manners from kindergarten on, how to be kind and courteous.”

Parents and volunteers help our school in so many ways; daily classroom help, fundraising, decorating, special events and being a part of the PTA.

Cherry Gray, who has been involved in countless school projects, feels this way: “I love Naples School because it has been a warm and nurturing place for my kids to grow and learn. The teachers and staff work hard to provide an environment that all kids feel welcome in. It’s like a second family. I share my love with the school by volunteering and helping where needed, both to help the teachers and staff and to get to know the kids. I love getting lots of hugs when I visit!”

Nadine Colgrove has been a parent at our school during the time that her three children have attended. At the current time, she is president of the parent group that meets each month.

When asked about her love of the school, this was her reply. “When I think of Naples School I think of love. I love how teachers give their all to the students while sharing the love of learning with them. I love how my kids feel safe and loved by all around them. Kids learn to have love and respect for each other, and the world around them, the Golden Rule. I love the amazing education that my children are receiving through a 'Legacy of Love.'"

Naples Elementary School is located nine miles south of Bonners Ferry, off of Highway 95. We’re a small community school and have pride in our family-like environment.

If you would like to visit of receive any information please call (208) 267-2956. or visit our website http://www.bcsd101.com and then click on Naples.