When the school year began, Uthoff Valley Elementary School received a Promising Practice Award for its Newest Viking Program. The Promising Practices Award recognizes schools and districts that have developed specific, unique and effective educational practices that promote character development.
The Newest Viking Program, which was implemented during the summer of 2010, welcomes new students and their families to Uthoff Valley through tours of the school, celebrations on their first day and by meeting school buddies. In addition to this, administration, counselors, teachers and staff continue to work with the new families and the students to ensure the transition is smooth and that needs are met throughout the entire school year.
Tina Kilpatrick, counselor at Uthoff Valley, said the program helps bring the school community together to embrace new students while also encouraging families to get involved with the school's character-building efforts. “Everyone in our building helps students feel connected and gain a sense of belonging as soon as they enter our school,” Kilpatrick said.
One family that has participated in the program is the Fuller family. “When school started in the fall, my daughters were met not only by superior teachers, but by the children at Uthoff Valley Elementary School who embraced them as if they had been a part of their school family for years,” said mother, Kathleen Fuller. “Each day my daughters will share stories about how they feel included and welcomed. Our family has been truly blessed to call Uthoff Valley home. It has made a life-changing impact on our family.”