The fifth-grade chorus sang about anti-bullying and the school’s number one rule, “be a friend”
Fifth-grade chorus students presented the “Sites and Sounds” of Hurffville Elementary School to the Board of Education, promoting their anti-bullying program.
Students sang three songs to the board advocating the school’s №1 rule: be a friend.
“Working hard and standing tall, we strive to be a friend to all,” the chorus sang in the school’s alma mater.
The students also sang the song “Brotherhood and Sisterhood,” and debuted the song written by music teacher Nancy Leong, “Be a Friend,” which was the winning title in a contest held by Music Express magazine. The song was written by nationally known composers John Jacobson and Mac Huff, and was published in the August/September issue. The song was also chosen for the publication’s annual video mash-up where students are invited to learn choreography and submit their video to be included in the mash-up.
After their presentation, the chorus students recited their team pledge to remind each other how to help others every day.
“I promise, to stand up against bullying and teasing; stand up together for anyone who is being bullied; stand up and tell an adult to make sure the bully stops. We are a courageous team, we have the courage to stand,” the students said.
Board President Ginny Murphy told the students she would like to incorporate a pledge like theirs into the Board of Education meetings.
“Listening to your pledge, it had a lot of meaning to me tonight as a board member, and somebody who represents the community, and I think it might be something we could work with and adopt at our board meetings,” Murphy said.
In other news:
• The board accepted a proposal from Field Turf to replace the high school synthetic turf for $429,395 through the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey. Installation is expected to take four to eight weeks.
• The board approved bids to replace the nine-to-10 high school auditorium roof from Union Roofing Contractors, Inc. and Wedgwood Elementary School parking lot renovations by GWP Enterprises, Inc.
• Lamont Robinson was named the new head football coach for Washington Township High School.
• Murphy urged community and board members to attend state Sen. Stephen Sweeney’s public forums in regard to the Fair School Funding Plan on Friday, Jan. 27 at Kingsway Regional High School at 11 a.m. and Tuesday, Feb. 7 at Glassboro High School at 3:30 p.m.
“The red light is flashing. Now that people are really looking at what is going on with education and changes at a national level, please stay on top of this issue,” board member Julie Yankanich said.
