November Students of the Month chosen

Chosen as November Falls City Middle School Students of the Month are, left to right, Meredith Poppe, sixth grade; Ben Bauman, seventh grade; and Bailey Bindle, sixth grade.

The students of the month for November at Falls City Middle School were Bailey Bindle, eighth grade; Ben Bauman, seventh grade; and Meredith Poppe, sixth grade. Each pupil received a T-shirt printed with the Student of the Month logo. The shirts are compliments of Stripes and Signs. The Elks Club will sponsor a complimentary meal during Youth Week for all this year's student of the month recipients and their parents.

Meredith Poppe is the sixth grade student of the month for November. She is the daughter of Brian and Kristen Poppe. According to her teachers, Meredith is a hard working student. She is a quiet, positive leader within the classroom. Meredith enjoys switching to different classrooms and having different teachers at Falls City Middle School. Her favorite subjects are science and FACS. She also participates in chorus and band. Meredith has been recognized for perfect attendance and is an ABBIT and honor roll student.

Meredith stays active outside of school with travelers softball, travelers basketball and church activities. Her favorite movie is Soul Surfer, and she enjoys eating at Frosty Queen!

Ben Bauman is the seventh grade student of the month for November. He is the son of Mark and Jenny Bauman. His teachers say that Ben is a happy, yet serious student who cares about his work and behavior. His favorite classes are math and social studies. He is active in football and basketball. Ben appreciates the teachers and staff at Falls City Middle School. He has received recognition for several art awards and has achieved ABBIT and honor roll.

Ben was named MVP in the baseball league playoffs in the summer of 2010.
He remains active in summer baseball outside of school. His favorite movie is Sandlot, and he enjoys eating at Sonic!

Bailey Bindle is the eighth grade student of the month for November. She is the daughter of Brian and Shawna Bindle. Bailey is described as an outstanding student in the classroom. She works hard in class to complete assignments, and she has a quality product upon completion. Her favorite classes are English and band. She is active in volleyball, basketball, track, band, chorus, show choir, quiz bowl, and Clown Troupe. Bailey also appreciates the teachers and enjoys the exploratory classes at Falls City Middle School. She continues to be recognized for perfect attendance, while being named to the honor roll and ABBIT lists.

Outside of school, Bailey is active in softball, gymnastics, and club volleyball. Bailey's favorite movie is The Blind Side, and she enjoys eating at Subway!

The students who received honorable mention for November include Katie Stoller, Layla Licon, Randee Glander, Elle Findlay, Sydney Brewer, Peyton Campbell, Barbara Wilhide, Morgan Bletscher, Erik Eickhoff, Ryan Chab, Megan Vollmer, McKayla Henderson, Madison Buckminster, Marissa Ogden, and Kellse Embretson.

To receive student of the month, students must first be nominated by one of their teachers. The criteria for nomination this year once again focuses on the 212 degree message. The teachers are continuously looking for the students who give the extra degree. The student demonstrates extra effort by being an exemplary student. Someone who internalizes the truth that is “Not enough to be good when you have the ability to be BETTER!” Each month the teachers will choose an individual from each grade who was identified as a 212 degree student and met the criteria. This includes turning work in on time; exemplary behavior everywhere; going out of their way to help peers; good grades and/or improvement; always showing effort; active and/or involved in the community; leadership accomplishments that are academic, athletic, or in the community; school attendance; positive attitude toward others; honest and trustworthy; cooperative and dependable; helpful to teachers; positive attitude toward school; and considerate of other’s feelings.

On the day of voting for student of the month, the teachers meet before school and vote by private balloting. To win student of the month, one student must receive a majority of the votes. Those who don't win are given honorable mention and are eligible in future months.