Bates Elementary in Woodhaven has a unique way of honoring Flag Day, June 14th - an original design Bates Elementary flag will fly high above the school for a year. Since the Flag Day holiday usually occurs during the summer break, the celebration began a few weeks before the end of the school year.
The project was developed through a collaborative effort between the Bates third grade teaching team, Tara Bacha, Daniele Michling and Sara McQuiston, Bates Principal, Cherie Godfrey and District Literacy Coach, Kathy Gray. It is supported by the Bates PTO and Monguagon Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. This extraordinary learning experience incorporates lessons about the history and symbolism of the American flag including a visit from American Colonists, creating a flag symbolizing their school and writing an essay explaining why their design represents Bates Elementary.
The students began their lessons with learning the foundation, which is understanding the symbolism of the American flag. The highlight of these sessions consisted of a visit from Mary Pickersgill (the woman who helped make the flag that Francis Scott Key saw as he wrote the National Anthem) and her colonial friend. These visitors were portrayed by two members of the local DAR chapter, Brenda Tomblin and Peggy Antio. The ladies read the book “Our American Flag” written by Mary Firestone, to the children and answered their many questions. Students also received an American flag, an American flag sticker and a Pledge of Allegiance bookmark donated by the chapter.
Next the students showed off what they learned, as well as their writing skills they have been honing all year long. Their assignment was to design a flag that represents their school. Each design had to be accompanied by an essay explaining the symbolism of their design, their reasoning for choosing the colors and pictures on their flag. There was one winner chosen from each classroom.
Skylar Leblanc was the winner from Mrs. Bacha’s class; Lillian Vargo took top honors in Ms. McQuiston’s class; and Riley Ball was chosen from Mrs. Michling’s homeroom. Each winner received a gift card from Barnes and Noble, donated by the Monguagon DAR Chapter Flag Committee. Committee Chair Vickie Bartnicki along with Peggy Antio and Brenda Tomblin were able to hand deliver their prizes.
Out of the three finalists designs, only one flag can fly over Bates Elementary and Principal Cherie Godfrey has the honor of choosing the design. The Bates PTO covered the cost of constructing the new flag. Skylar LeBlanc’s design was chosen and will fly over the school until the end of the 2024-25 school year.
On Friday, June 7th, the entire third grade gathered around the school flag pole along with last year's winner of the contest, Riley Kava. Riley’s flag was retired and returned to her as a keepsake of her elementary years. And as a very proud grandmother, Mrs. Judie LeBlanc watched while Skylar helped Mrs.Godfrey hoist the new flag for Bates Elementary School.