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MANSFIELD: Signs of spring bloom for students

By Amy Batista, Special Writer
   MANSFIELD — John Hydock Elementary School students and staff celebrated the 100th day of the school year on Friday as youngsters participated in a blooming spectrum of activities to honor the occasion.
   The Feb. 15 event followed the theme 100 Signs of Spring. Each homeroom was decorated in attire ranging from flowers and insects to rainbows and plants.
   Students dressed for the occasion with some wearing 100-day glasses and decorated shirts, while other children dressed up as invertebrates.
   Maureen Konopada’s second grade students were dressed up like ladybugs.
   ”It’s a day that all the students look forward to,” said Ms. Konopada. “It’s a tradition.”
   She said her class spent the day completing activities focused around the 100th day of school. Students answered special math problems, for instance.
   More than 270 students participated in the 100th day celebration last week. The theme was selected by the 100th Day Committee, which consists of staff representatives from kindergarten to second grade.
   ”We knew it would be fun and educational for the kids,” said Principal Joseph Mersinger. Throughout the years, he said, themes marking the 100th day of the school year have included 100 Gold Medals; 100 Days of Summer; and 100 Inches of Snow.
   Students entered the building Feb. 15 to find the facility’s foyer decorated with spring décor. The school day started with an assembly for the student body, which included a score of activities celebrating the 100th day of school.
   As students entered the gym, a pennant banner was strung across the stage announcing the 100th day of school.
   Ms. Konopada called the 100th day of school a “milestone” for students.
   Students participated in variety of activities ranging from 100 seconds of different types of physical movement.
   ”Each sign of spring coincided with the mini-themes linked to the homerooms,” said Principal Mersinger. “When I showed a picture of bees, Cheryl Mastowski’s class started buzzing.
   ”After introducing each of the mini-themes, we sang four songs related to the 100th Day. After singing, we counted to 100 by 10s, by 5s, by 2s.”
   Principal Mersinger told the Register-News Feb. 18, “My favorite part was when we all did 100 jumps at the end of the assembly.”
   He continued, “I am very proud of the staff and students for coming together to make this an excellent event. It’s fun, it’s educational, and everyone loves it.”
   Second-grader Danielle Hartman, of Bordentown Township, agreed with Principal Mersinger — his favorite part was also “jumping rope.”
   Classmate Burak Yilmaz, of Columbus, concurred.
   ”We jumped a lot,” said Burak.
   Second-grader Bhari Maifuria, of Bordentown Township, enjoyed the “jumping jacks.”
   ”In the classroom we keep track of the days of school using charts beginning the first day of school — so it’s quite a build up,” said Cheryl Mastowski, a second grade teacher, Feb. 19. “The children become very excited about it all.”
   According to Ms. Mastowski, the teacher fills their day with fun activities that relate to the number 100. They have challenges throughout the week, including completing 100 minutes of math and reading to earn medals.
   In addition to classroom activities, each grade had an opportunity to spend some time in the gym to get moving in a variety of ways for100 seconds. Students rotated around from station to station participating.
   Students also collected can goods as a community service project, called the 100th Day Food Drive.
   ”This year we collected can goods for families in need in our area,” Ms. Mastowski said.
   According to Principal Mersinger, the students collected more than 150 cans, 150 boxes, and 50 bags of items for the Family Success Center of Burlington County.
   ”The 100th day celebration is a really nice way to see our school come together as a community to combine fun with learning,” Ms. Mastowski said.