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May is Better Speech and Hearing Month, a time to celebrate all the different ways we listen and communicate with one another. At Whitehall Elementary School, we are excited to help students learn that communication can look different for everyone, and every way is important!

First-grade students recently wrapped up another CKLA Knowledge Unit, “Early American Civilizations,” where they explored Maya, Aztec, and Inca cultures. One of the most exciting parts was learning about the Inca empire’s communication system. Without a written language, the Incas relied on specially trained runners to carry important verbal messages across long distances, passing them from runner to runner until they reached the emperor.

A simple reward system is making a big impact in the classroom — incentive coins that motivate students to show effort, kindness, and perseverance each day. This program also serves as an extension of our school’s book vending machine, giving students another exciting way to earn books of their own. This month, students in Ms. Anderson’s class used their coins to “shop” at the WES Reward Book Store that was set up in Mrs. Gavorcik’s Cyber Hub room. Students proudly selected books that they worked so hard to earn.

At Whitehall Elementary School, celebrating and acknowledging holidays from many different cultures helps create an environment where every child feels valued, respected, and included. Mrs. Kathy Rock works hard to build a classroom community where students learn that differences should be celebrated, not feared. By exposing children to a variety of traditions, languages, foods, music, and customs at a young age, students begin to understand that every family and culture has something meaningful to share. These early experiences help children develop empathy, kindness, and respect for others that will stay with them as they grow into adults.