The first half of the school year for Paton-Churdan has seen some successes.

Principal Annie Smith says the students and staff have changed their philosophy focus this year to human connection by building relationships while developing skills to achieve that goal.

“We really want kids to know they can push through hard times, we want them to be resilient, and that when times are tough we don’t run away, we actually are stronger when we come out on the other side. Most importantly taking care of ourselves, loving ourselves so that then we can love others. We’re trying to teach them, it’s okay to fail because sometimes through our failures our greatest accomplishments are made. And then the last thing that we’re really wanting to celebrate is just the little things, that what we have is enough.”    

Smith points out another new addition this year is a Food and Consumer Science class for younger students, which their high school students currently can do with Greene County. She explains why they wanted to bring this kind of curriculum back to their school.

“We noticed that just a very small population were able to take advantage of those (with Greene County) and we know the benefit of it. So re-introducing just different kinds of foods classes, nutrition classes, cooking (and) baking classes, it’s been fun. The feedback has been terrific. The students are having so much fun, the community enjoys it. So it was definitely the right decision.”   

Smith is excited to continue to build off the momentum that the students and staff have shown in the first half of the school year as they come back from break for the second half. Paton-Churdan is on winter break until January 4th.