Warrior Tradition Sets Stage for Learning at Corbett Prep
At Corbett Preparatory School of IDS, teachers launched the new school year with joy and excitement, focusing on the values of kindness, caring, compassion, and cooperation that have traditionally defined the school's mascot, the "Warrior."
Aug. 30, 2012 (TAMPA, Fla.) – On the first day of the new school year at Corbett Preparatory School of IDS, students noticed that a lot of things had changed since their final day last May.
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| As part of their first-day activities, multi-age teachers Debi Brockmeyer and Kim Fowler discussed the value of caring with their first and second graders, the "Cool Cats." |
For starters, the school's new name and logo prompted gleaming new signage across campus. Faculty and staff sported bright purple polo shirts with the new logo. And teachers greeted them with an enthusiastic, "Welcome back! Welcome to Corbett Prep!"
Throughout the day, however, it became clear that while spirit wear and book bags looked different, the school's "heart and soul" – the traditional core values that had always defined the IDS mascot, the Warrior, including kindness, caring, compassion, and cooperation – remained steadfast.
Across the Corbett Prep campus, from PreK3 and PreK4 classrooms to middle school, teachers welcomed students with creative experiences that enabled them to set powerful goals for the new academic year. These innovative approaches also clearly outlined the core values and ethics embraced by the IDS, now Corbett Prep, Warrior.
"At Corbett Prep, we are all warriors for the twenty-first century," said Associate Headmaster Pam Ripple who has been part of the school community and its evolving traditions for more than 30 years. "The Corbett Prep Warrior continues to represent the best in all of us."
In kindergarten, for example, after reading "Have You Filled a Bucket Today?" students reflected on the effect their actions and words can have on the well-being of others and themselves. Each student created a paper bucket and then wrote a positive message to place in another student's bucket.
Fifth graders focused on building community, cooperation and unity by participating in the traditional first-day "boot camp." Donning army fatigue caps, they marched around campus in military cadence to help them gain appreciation for teamwork and cooperation.
PreK4 students discussed how listening carefully to others and allowing others to listen is a sign of dignity and respect. They decorated large conch shells, which they proudly wore on headbands as symbols of careful and considerate listening.
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| PreK4 students (left) discussed how listening carefully to others is a sign of dignity and respect. Fifth graders marched around campus in military cadence to help them gain appreciation for teamwork and cooperation. |
"Each of us is armed with weapons of service – uplifting and encouraging words, positive actions that demonstrate respect and dignity for self and others, and kind hearts filled with strength, justice, self-confidence and humility," said Headmaster Dr. Joyce Burick Swarzman. "What better day to establish the importance of the characteristics of the Corbett Prep Warrior than the first day."
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