Beach Haven School Students Get STYLE Points

(Courtesy of Beach Haven School)

Michael Benson and his STYLE (Student Teambuilding Youth Leadership Experience) youngsters from Southern Regional High School recently visited the Beach Haven School as part of a collaboration between students and teachers.

AnnMarie Deakyne, a teacher at the Beach Haven School, said the visiting student leaders first worked with grades pre-K to two by reading to them from Dr. Seuss’ Oh, the Places You’ll Go! along with leadership activities that encourage creativity, thoughtfulness and positivity.

She said students from grades three to six worked with the student leaders by playing motivational, team-building games that required some critical thinking and plenty of teamwork.

“It was obvious that Mr. Benson and Mrs. (Marcie) Bleam (guidance counselor) prepared Southern’s students as effective, positive leaders and role models,” Deakyne said. “The high school students truly left a lasting impression on our students. Many of our students shared that they were scared just thinking about attending the high school in a few years. However, they are now looking forward to high school after meeting these awesome student-mentors. Many students also shared to their teachers that they hope to become STYLE members when they are at Southern so they can visit.”

(Courtesy of Beach Haven School)

Benson said numerous activities deal with problem solving and resolving conflicts, and having fun at the same time.

“The Beach Haven kids really connected with the Southern students,” he said. “While there are certainly differences, the youngsters also learn about what they have in common with the high school students.”

He added, “When the pandemic started, we couldn’t go visiting schools. It really feels good to be back on the road.”  —E.E.