Who's That Bear?

2nd grader, Emerson Kirkland, reading with healthy bear before bed!

 Written by Madison Kirkland

To most of the St. John community, the blue and gold bears sitting on the shelf in Mrs. Fischer's Second Grade classroom are just stuffed animals that we occasionally see around campus, carried by one of the students.  But to the little people who carry them, the bears are special rewards, or friends, that bring happiness to little hearts. These mysterious bears, made out of blue and gold school colored fabric with a St. John monogram, are the second grade rewards given to two students who were well-behaved and reflect kind and helpful qualities during day. The two bears are named “Healthy Bear” and “Junkie Bear” and each has different characteristics. “Healthy Bear” likes to read with a flashlight under the covers at night and selects healthy snacks.  “Junkie Bear” eats junk food and reads his books sitting on top of the covers.  Neither bear is more or less desirable for the student who earns him – the bears are equal in reward and cuddliness.
Second grade teacher, Mrs. Fischer, chooses the students who will take home the bears.  “Healthy Bear” and “Junkie Bear” get to spend the night with the students  lucky enough to take them home.  These bears make the students feel special and give them a boost of confidence about making good choices at school.
“I love surprising mommy with the bear when I get home from school because she says that she is proud of me.  I try hard every day to be good, so I can get a bear for the night,” said Emerson, Second Grade student at St. John. Next time you see a little person around our school carrying a blue and gold teddy bear, be sure to compliment him or her on their “beary” good behavior!

For more photos of our 2nd Grade Students with their "beary special friends," click here:
Who's that bear??? Photo Album