Front Row, left to right: Scout Baughn, George Bailey, Lola Sennett, Matthew Storey, Annie Rose Allen, John Akers, Carson Accola, Reagan Wells Back Row: Kim Mixson, Sam Cooper, Meril Lagasse, Sierra Smith, Sawyer Roberson, Kegley Hubbard, Smith Reaves, Dr. Scott O’Prey, Jennifer Bryant Photo by Leslie Wood
As singer/songwriter sensation Taylor Swift says with swagger, Seaside Neighborhood School is also taking time to “shake it off.”
Always up for creative fun, Seaside Neighborhood School principal Kim Mixson is engaging 5th-8th grade students with an exciting new program: The Amazing Shake. “This national competition places an emphasis on teaching students manners, discipline, respect and professional conduct,” Mixson says. “We know our amazing students will step up to the challenge to make us proud, as they always do.”
Prior to the competition, students learn the nuances of professional interaction and best behavior, such as how to give a proper handshake, how to “work a room,” how to give a successful interview, and how to remain composed under pressure.
“The goal is to prepare our students so that they are able to present and position themselves in the best possible way for opportunities today as well as those that will come in the future,” Mixson says.
On Sept. 29, students participated in The Great Seaside Shake. At this house event, small groups of students interviewed with community judges. After the interviews, they attended an ice cream social, where they were encouraged to mix and mingle with visitors and members of their house. They were encouraged to introduce themselves, carry a conversation, engage politely with peers and visitors and welcome incoming guests.
After the ice cream social, about a dozen students were selected to advance to the next round of The Great Seaside Shake. This included sharpening their skills in a mentoring class devoted to listening, public speaking and social skills.
In early January, the finalists will compete in the finale for The Great Seaside Shake and two winners will be named. The two winners will represent Seaside Neighborhood School and compete in the Amazing Shake National Competition held in February at the Ron Clark Academy (RCA) in Atlanta, Ga. RCA has a mission to deliver the highest quality educational experience where global citizens are born through advanced rigor, engaging teaching methods, and a passionate climate and culture.