At Berlin Elementary School, Kindergarten through 5th grade Mountaineers come together monthly for uplifting Character Education Assemblies, celebrating peers who embody the monthly character trait and inspire others to do the same! These assemblies are also the time to introduce a new trait, brought to life through skits, graphics, and guest speakers. The Character Education Team’s creative approach sparks excitement throughout the school.
The BES Mountaineers kick off each assembly by proudly reciting the Mountaineer Mantra, led by a grade level or club, filling the room with enthusiasm! At this month’s assembly on October 6th, it was led by Mrs. Rontey’s third grade class.
During the month of September, the character trait at BES was respect, defined and demonstrated for the students at the last assembly as treating others how you and they want to be treated, being kind and polite, and showing others you care about their feelings.
The trait for this month ties in with Mrs. Hooks, MTSS Behavior/Math Teacher, and Mrs. Steller, Berlin Elementary School Counselor’s announcement that October is Bullying Prevention Month. BES will wear orange on October 22nd, Unity Day, a day to stand up together against bullying. Wearing orange on Unity Day will bring BES Mountaineers together as upstanders, not bystanders, when it comes to bullying.
The monthly Character Counts Awards were announced for each classroom, and a special addition this year is that the BES Art, Music, and Physical Education teachers are awarding Character Count Awards to a student who goes above and beyond to model the monthly trait in their classes as well.
Congratulations to October’s Character Counts recipients!
Kindergarten: Wynonna Bink and Norah Savaria
First Grade: Mason Dunlop and Emmett DeShane
Second Grade: Grayson Kranick, Aylda Brock, and Addison Bourassa
Bright Stars: Asher Van Keuren
Shooting Stars: Liliann Dickinson
Third Grade: Brooks Blakely, Robbie Ferris
Fourth Grade: Jenna Scraper and Madelyn Bonesteel
Fifth Grade: Caellum Etman and Weston Schichtl
Physical Education: Eliza Dickhaus
Music: Leo Deschaine
Art: Jayde Riccardi
October’s character traits were being responsible, doing things you’re supposed to do, and safe, doing things that protect yourself and others. This month’s guest speaker was our very own School Resource Officer, Deputy DaLessio! Deputy DaLessio gave the Mountaineers personal safety tips, such as knowing your home address, knowing your safe people and who you can trust, and being aware of your surroundings. Please find Deputy DaLessio’s presentation below to review with your Mountaineers. Thank you Deputy DaLessio for being the ultimate role model of a responsible, safe, and respectful person.
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At Berlin CSD, attendance matters, and every day at school counts. Principal Cataldo introduces two new attendance initiatives this year during the assembly to emphasize this important message. The first initiative is the monthly Attendance Superstars! The class with the best attendance for the month is recognized and gets their door decorated to acknowledge their outstanding attendance. Congratulations to October’s Attendance Superstars: Mrs. Kneer’s 2nd grade Mountaineers!
October’s Attendance Superstars: Mrs. Kneer’s 2nd grade Mountaineers!
The second initiative involves a large jar in the main hallway of BES, which will be filled each time a class has perfect attendance. Once the jar is full, a surprise celebration, such as a school-wide brain break to dance in the halls, will be held. Remember, every day counts, Mountaineers, and you never know when or what the celebration will be!
Being a Mountaineer means being responsible, safe, and respectful. Each month, merits are awarded by BES staff and bus drivers to celebrate students who demonstrate these traits. These students are given merits to be deposited in the Mountaineer Merit containers (K-2, 3-5, and bus merits) found in the main hallway. Principal Cataldo randomly draws ten merit recipients (five from kindergarten to second grade and five from third to fifth grade) and three from the bus merit container each month for recognition and a prize.
Before announcing the individual Merit winners Mrs. Cataldo announced that each month there is a staff member observing the assemblies for the class who is showing they are responsible, safe, and respectful during the assembly. Congratulations again to Mrs. Kneer’s 2nd grade Mountaineers for being the class merit winners during the September assembly!
Congratulations to October’s Merit Winners!
Piper Garcia, Addison Bourassa, Kayleana Ryan, Forrest Kennedy, Micah Manning, Bonnie Halpin, Nora Derstine, Madilyn Cole, Weston Schichtl, and Zoe Lopez Gonzalez
Bus Merits: Amelia Henderson, Hailey Montanye, and Clayton Montanye
During the assembly Principal Cataldo also announced a ‘We Deliver’ internal positive postcard program where students can send postcards internally to brighten someone’s day or send words of encouragement. Mountaineers can ask their teachers for postcards and more information.
Way to go, Mountaineers! Remember, this month’s character traits are responsible and safe!
On Friday, October 10, 2025, BES will hold its annual Fire Prevention Assembly.