Flagpole
Morning flagpole provides the opportunity to begin each day as a community and to celebrate each other and our many endeavors. Students in grade 3-8 meet in the Ledbetter Commons to share announcements, give updates on athletic teams, sing happy birthday to classmates and more. Flagpole ends with the recitation of Darlington’s mission statement and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Assemblies
Once every eight days, students in grades 6-8 come together for assembly to hear about topics that are important to their development. Our school counselor works with teachers and other members of our community to create assemblies that help bring understanding and life to our character education tenants: friendship, commitment to learning, honor and integrity, respect and responsibility, empathy, courage, kindness, passion, community, and reflection and celebration.
Buddy Program
The Buddy Program encourages friendship and interaction between students at different grade levels, in addition to providing an opportunity for older students to serve as role models for the younger children. Buddies meet at various intervals throughout the year for fun activities such as art projects, story time, buddy lunches, holiday projects and athletic events.
Service Learning
Community outreach allows students to learn about giving back to their community and develop compassion and empathy for others. Projects are coordinated by the student-led Pre-K to 8 Service Committee. Additionally, middle grades students participate in Dot Day each year. Inspired by the book “The Dot” by Peter H. Reynolds, Dot Day reminds us that we all can make a positive mark on the world. Each advisory group identifies two projects (one on campus and one off campus), students see firsthand how many hands make light work and how a small act of kindness can make a positive impact on others.
