Beech Tree News Network

North Butler Elementary School was filled with students and their families on Thursday night.  A good time was had by all as students showcased their many talents. The library displayed over 150 Young Author’s Books on which students and librarian, Mrs. Havens, had spent many hours working.  Author and master storyteller, Ronda Friend made a special appearance and signed copies of her books for students. Her books provide numerous topics that students, as well as their parents, can relate to such as life lessons and real-life cliffhangers.  The Family Resource Center was also present and gave away books to the students. Mrs. Decker and her students had been busy as student artwork was also displayed all through the main hall and art room for visitors to see. 

Families enjoyed a good meal, as well as ice cream sundaes, on the cafeteria patio to prepare them for the entertainment of the night. 
In the gym, parents witnessed a performance by North Butler’s first-ever jump rope team - “The Jumping Cubs”.  The team consists of 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade boys and girls.  There are currently 49 students on the team with a few of the team member’s younger siblings gaining interest.  Practicing an hour a week for the past six weeks has helped the team develop many stunts and tricks. 

According to 4th grader Mattie McKinney, “Jumping rope has always been really fun for me since my grandfather taught me when I was younger.” Mattie’s grandfather coaches a jump roping team in Logan County and his team made an appearance at NBES earlier this year.  After that, parents and students became more interested and encouraged Mr. Swift, North Butler’s P.E. teacher, to start a team.  Mr. Swift said that jumping rope is one of the best cardiovascular workouts.  The team has no plans to compete at this time, but it is a possibility for the future. Mr. Swift made it clear that parent volunteers have made this team possible.

Mr. Swift also had his students demonstrate some of the exercises they do in P.E. class.  According to Swift, “There has been a big shift in P.E.  They still have team sports, but everything is starting to gear toward individual physical fitness.  Students showed parents how to use T-BOW equipment through a virtual tour demonstration.  Students were able to mimic someone running up a roller coaster.
Fifth grade band members performed with the help of a few high school students and were led by Mrs. Crowder, North Butler’s music teacher.  Mr. Ausbrooks, music teacher at Morgantown Elementary and band director at BCHS, was in attendance with a few of Morgantown Elementary’s band members.

The night ended with a stellar musical performance by the fifth graders in their production of “Rock and Roll Forever”.  Students’ attire represented artists such as Elvis, James Brown, The Beatles, and the Beach Boys, and girls danced in their poodle skirts around the gym.  Song and dance filled the gymnasium as parents cheered. 

Story and photos by Carissa Poston, Beech Tree News.