The Paper Mill Elementary School Paws R Us store opened for business Oct. 25 with a ribbon-cutting celebration. (Photo by Hope E. Tremblay)
WESTFIELD – Paper Mill Elementary School revealed the name of its new school store Oct. 25 during a celebration that included a ribbon-cutting with Mayor Brian P. Sullivan.
Students submitted nominations for the store name and took a school-wide vote organized by second grade teacher Kathy Knapik.
Knapik used the naming of the store as an opportunity to teach students in grades K-4 about the importance of voting.
“I am so proud of the students who a nominated a name — everyone who made a nomination you are a winner,” Knapik said. “Everyone who voted — you are a winner.”
Knapik noted there was even a write-in campaign that received several votes.
Superintendant of Schools Stefan Czaporowski and Paper Mill Principal Melanie Chasse unveiled the store name — “Paws R Us” – which officially opened Friday. Each class will visit the store once each month.
Special Education and Inclusion Teacher Meg Greaney said students can turn in green paper paws for merchandise and other rewards at Paws R Us.
The Paper Mill Elementary School Paws R Us store opened for business Oct. 25 during a ceremony that included students, Mayor Brian P. Sullivan, Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski, School Committee members Cindy Sullivan and Bo Sullivan and state Rep. John C. Velis. Also pictured with students and officials are Assistant Principal Laura Creanza and Principal Melanie Chasse. (Photo by Hope E. Tremblay)
“Students earn paws by showing our Panther Promise,” said Greaney.
The Panther Promise states students will be kind, be respectful, be safe and be responsible. Any adult in the building can give a student a paw for displaying the Panther Promise.
Greaney said some of the rewards are priceless, including teacher and administrator time.
“Teachers are giving their time to build relationship with students,” she said.
For example, students can “spend” their paws on the opportunity to choose one friend and have a private lunch with Chasse or make slime or other crafts with a teacher. Greaney is offering her time for pumpkin painting this week.
“We also received donations from the PTO and Westfield Bank,” said Greaney. Students can “purchase” pencils, yo-yos and other items with their paws.
Greaney said Westfield Volunteers in Public Schools are helping at the store and teaching students like skills.
Paper Mill Elementary School Principal Melanie Chasse and Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski reveal the name of the new school store Oct. 25. (Photo by Hope E. Tremblay)
“They are learning about the cost of things, how to earn money — or in this case, paws – and how to save for things they want,” she said.
For example, each item has a paw value. If a student has four paws but wants something worth six paws, they can wait until the next month and earn more paws for their desired reward.
Knapik told students that students showed responsibility during the voting process.
“Being responsible means getting involved in any way that you can,” Knapik said.
Chasse said students not only showed responsibility, but they were respectful and kind.
State Rep. John C. Velis and Westfield School Committee members Cindy Sullivan and Bo Sullivan attended the celebration.
