Rockwood School District: Profile Of A Rockwood Learner: Sophia McLean, Fairway Elementary

Press release from the Rockwood School District:

May 26, 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 will be celebrating fifth-, eighth- and 12th-grade students from around Rockwood who embody these characteristics and reflect the hopes, dreams and aspirations we hold for every child in our school community. Today, we feature Fairway Elementary fifth-grader Sophia McLean.-----In her first one-on-one virtua​l meeting with her teacher this school year, Fairway Elementary fifth-grader Sophia McLean set high standards for herself."She told me she really wanted to be challenged academically this year," said fift​h-grade teacher Lauren Eickel. Eickel saw that drive play out in multiple ways, both during the virtual start to the school year and once students returned for in-person learning in October."I have been so impressed by her maturity," Eickel said. "She gets along with every student in the class. Sophia truly enjoys learning and she is a definite leader in our class. Her enthusiasm motivates those around her to be engaged and work hard!"Sophia has enjoyed her time in Eickel's class this year, especially the planting of the​ fifth-grade garden, writing, math, science, reading and physical education with teacher ​Andrew Beckner. Outside of school, she enjoys playing club soccer and volleyball, riding her bike, hanging out with her friends and taking summer trips to the lake.As she prepares to enter Wildwood Middle next year, Sophia is ready for the new opportunities that await."I am most excited about meeting new friends, teachers and Encore classes," Sophia said. "I am going to miss my Fairway teachers, the recesses and doing the Pumpkin Run!"

​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 will be celebrating fifth-, eighth- and 12th-grade students from around Rockwood who embody these characteristics and reflect the hopes, dreams and aspirations we hold for every child in our school community. Today, we feature Fairway Elementary fifth-grader Sophia McLean.-----In her first one-on-one virtua​l meeting with her teacher this school year, Fairway Elementary fifth-grader Sophia McLean set high standards for herself."She told me she really wanted to be challenged academically this year," said fift​h-grade teacher Lauren Eickel. Eickel saw that drive play out in multiple ways, both during the virtual start to the school year and once students returned for in-person learning in October."I have been so impressed by her maturity," Eickel said. "She gets along with every student in the class. Sophia truly enjoys learning and she is a definite leader in our class. Her enthusiasm motivates those around her to be engaged and work hard!"Sophia has enjoyed her time in Eickel's class this year, especially the planting of the​ fifth-grade garden, writing, math, science, reading and physical education with teacher ​Andrew Beckner. Outside of school, she enjoys playing club soccer and volleyball, riding her bike, hanging out with her friends and taking summer trips to the lake.As she prepares to enter Wildwood Middle next year, Sophia is ready for the new opportunities that await."I am most excited about meeting new friends, teachers and Encore classes," Sophia said. "I am going to miss my Fairway teachers, the recesses and doing the Pumpkin Run!"

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