At Salem Elementary, being bold and brave doesn’t always happen in big moments, sometimes it’s found in the quiet consistency of showing up. Each day around 7:30 a.m., before the first bell rings, kindergarten teacher Stephanie Thompson walks to the gym to check in on a former student, first grader Ellis Lusinger, making sure he starts his day on a positive note.
Principal Leslie Smith said the routine reflects the heart of what it means to be Bryant. “She chit chats with him about his night and his morning, and just tries to get him on a good foot for that day,” Smith said. “Small moments like this matter to students because they see that you actually care.”
Ellis, who was in Thompson’s class last year, faced challenges this fall after experiencing seizures. But the connection they built in kindergarten has continued beyond the classroom. “Miss Thompson talks to me, and it makes me feel good,” Ellis shared.
For Thompson, supporting students goes beyond one school year. “Once you’re their student, you’re their student for the rest of your life,” Smith said. That commitment reflects a bigger purpose across the district. “Bryant’s about not just education, but every aspect of every child—their academics, social and emotional wellness,” Smith added. “That's how she represents Bryant.”