Former Green Bay Packers player LeRoy Butler
Motivating students can be one of the hardest jobs in education, but the staff at Maple Tree School is finding ways to help students want to learn. Recent efforts have centered on math, behavior, and leadership, including a very special guest.
To promote achievement in math, Principal Debra Rash has developed Maple Tree Math Club. Primary and intermediate students are invited to participate during lunch hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The students are challenged by engaging in math discourse, practicing facts, and solving problems during their recess time. Participants are excited to build their knowledge of math. Maple Tree Math Club began last year and continues to motivate students to strive for excellence in math. Ms. Rash teaches new topics every week and shares her passion for mathematics with students.
Students in 4th and 5th grade enjoyed a visit from a special guest in November. Former Green Bay Packers player LeRoy Butler spoke at Maple Tree about respect, bullying, leadership, and the importance of academics. Butler, who played his entire career with the Packers, was known for being a great teammate, and now visits schools to share his story and promote a team attitude. His message was designed to teach students to be leaders and motivate students to achieve. The 4th- and 5thgrade students felt honored to see him at Maple Tree School.
Maple Tree has also developed a program to celebrate VIP students who follow behavior rules consistently. In every classroom, VIPs are identified and earn extra privileges each month, including a special lunch with Principal Rash. Families are invited to join their students and share in the fun. The VIPs wear VIP buttons daily and are role models for their peers.
Maple Tree School is located at 6644 N. 107th Street in Milwaukee. Learn more on the school website at http://www5.milwaukee.k12.wi.us/school/mapletree.
