CENTER — Ashley Lane’s fourth-grade classroom is one many third, fourth, and fifth grade classrooms participating in the Community Classroom at Haskin Elementary. The students in each room are given specific job positions, such as a police officer, banker, homework clerk, and mayor, just to name a few of the many positions.
Jentrie Werner Rothermich was the first student in her fourth-grade classroom to apply to be the mayor and was appointed to the position.
Lane is proud of Rothermich for her role as mayor and helping the classroom with problems and discussion.
“The Community Classroom is how we appoint students each a job,” Lane said. “Every student gets paid $10 a day, depending on the behaviors that kids have in school. Kids can get fined $5 for certain fines, and $20 for major fines, like if they are caught cheating or stealing or things like that. The kids are the ones that are running the classroom. The kids will bring the problems and discuss them with the mayor to see how we can solve these problems and make a better classroom.”
Rothermich, who is 10 years old, explained that once a week a big class meeting is held when students can discuss their problems and find a way to correct them within the classroom.
“So, I would say this meeting is now called to order,” Rothermich said. “Then everyone would stand up and do the pledge. I would say we will be discussing behaviors, fines, bonuses, and upcoming events. So, I would call up a police officer in the class and he would say what is one positive comment about classroom behavior, and what is one thing that’s needs to be corrected. I would call up another police officer and he would say what is one positive thing about hall behavior, and one thing we could correct. I would call up the banker and she would say how many fines we have had, and how many bonuses we have had. I would let any other jobs discuss what they need, like a homework clerk would come up and discuss what we need in that area, and I would give more advice about that. I would give advice on all things. The meeting would then be over, and I would say this meeting is now adjourned.”
Rothermich said that she really liked being the mayor and liked helping other kids. One highlight for Rothermich was when Market Day happens, and the kids get to purchase things and spend the money credit that they have in class.
“We have a Market Day, where you have to make a product,” Rothermich said. “Your parents could assist, but it had to mostly be you. So, you had to make a product and then advertise it. Then when Market Day came on Dec. 20, all fourth-graders would have set up. So, for example I made pencil holders, and my product was $10. So, people would come around and have to pay you $10, and then you could also close and go shop around. But if you wanted to make a lot of money you would have to stay there. I like to save up.”
Rothermich said that classroom parties also cost money for students.
“We had a Halloween party, a Christmas party, and we are going to have a Valentine’s Day party. It costs money to get in, like $20. It also costs to buy treats, like we have concession stands. It’s pretty fun,” she said.
Rothermich thanked her fellow students for supporting her as mayor.
“I have been so proud of my class and how much kids have grown,” she said. “To my friends, thank you for your support. I am proud of myself for signing up to be the mayor. I was brave to sign up to be the mayor.”
Lane added, “Jentrie is a true leader and encourages others to also want to lead. She was the only one who applied to be mayor at the beginning, and now as we change jobs, eight other students also want to be the mayor. Jentrie approaches challenges with determination and is always willing to jump in and help. I also appreciate her hard work, and the role model she is for her peers.”
