Rockwood School District: Profile Of A Rockwood Learner: Erik Melson, Eureka Elementary

Press release from the Rockwood School District:

June 4, 2021

In Rockwood, we strive to do whatever it takes to ensure all students realize their potential. Our goal is to PDFcultivate Rockwood learners who think creatively and critically; engage thoughtfully and respectfully; develop strong character; collaborate with others; and explore our world. Over the final month of the 2020-2021 school year, we are celebrating fifth-, eighth- and 12th-grade students from around Rockwood who embody thes e characteristics and reflect the hopes, dreams and aspirations we hold for every child in our school community. Today, we feature Eureka Elementary fifth-grader Erik Melson. -----Erik Melson is the fourth of his siblings to attend Eureka Elementary. The fifth-grader has older brothers at LaSalle Springs Middle and Eureka High, and a sister who is graduating from Eureka this year.That means most of his teachers – along with principal Lynn White – have known Erik since he was in preschool. It also means his siblings have served as valuable sources of information as he progressed through Eureka Elementary."I really like being the youngest because, if I need any help in school, they can help me," Erik said. "They've all done it."While Erik has followed in his siblings' footsteps, he has also carved his own path at Eureka Elementary. He likes to learn about math and science and is an accomplished athlete, playing baseball, basketball, football and soccer. He recently participated in his first school track meet, winning the 200-meter run and finishing second in the javelin.When construction first began on the new Eureka Elementary building in 2018, Erik's teacher, Eileen Delia, chose him to represent his class by digging a hole at the groundbreaking ceremony.Erik will remember the connections he built with educators such as Delia, Holly Conroy and Emily Careklas – who he had in kindergarten and fourth grade. He has also treasured his time with White, who is retiring at the end of the school year."I'm kind of glad it's this year because I really liked her and, either way, I would be leaving her and she wouldn't be my principal anymore," Erik said.

In Rockwood, we strive to do whatever it takes to ensure all students realize their potential. Our goal is to PDFcultivate Rockwood learners who think creatively and critically; engage thoughtfully and respectfully; develop strong character; collaborate with others; and explore our world. Over the final month of the 2020-2021 school year, we are celebrating fifth-, eighth- and 12th-grade students from around Rockwood who embody thes e characteristics and reflect the hopes, dreams and aspirations we hold for every child in our school community. Today, we feature Eureka Elementary fifth-grader Erik Melson. -----Erik Melson is the fourth of his siblings to attend Eureka Elementary. The fifth-grader has older brothers at LaSalle Springs Middle and Eureka High, and a sister who is graduating from Eureka this year.That means most of his teachers – along with principal Lynn White – have known Erik since he was in preschool. It also means his siblings have served as valuable sources of information as he progressed through Eureka Elementary."I really like being the youngest because, if I need any help in school, they can help me," Erik said. "They've all done it."While Erik has followed in his siblings' footsteps, he has also carved his own path at Eureka Elementary. He likes to learn about math and science and is an accomplished athlete, playing baseball, basketball, football and soccer. He recently participated in his first school track meet, winning the 200-meter run and finishing second in the javelin.When construction first began on the new Eureka Elementary building in 2018, Erik's teacher, Eileen Delia, chose him to represent his class by digging a hole at the groundbreaking ceremony.Erik will remember the connections he built with educators such as Delia, Holly Conroy and Emily Careklas – who he had in kindergarten and fourth grade. He has also treasured his time with White, who is retiring at the end of the school year."I'm kind of glad it's this year because I really liked her and, either way, I would be leaving her and she wouldn't be my principal anymore," Erik said.

This press release was produced by the Rockwood School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.