OLD BRIDGE – Memorial Elementary students got to visit a safari courtesy of an award-winning author from Palm Beach, Florida.
Lorretta Neff, founder of the EW Foundation, presented the kindergarten through fifth grade students with her book, “Tame Your Manners,” on Nov. 17.
The journey took the students through the different animals of K.A.M.P Safari (Kids’ Animals & Manners Program) to teach them how to be the best selves they can be, according to a statement prepared by the school. Using defined traits of the animals – such as the poise and confidence of giraffes, knowledge and obedience of monkeys, and patience and understanding of rhinos – the children learned qualities of themselves that they possess and can use every day. The 11 animals presented had the children realize manners, which ties in with the school’s use of Pillars of Character, while dancing to music and singing to songs they were familiar with.
Neff donated her time by traveling from her home specifically to speak to the students at Memorial. She became familiar with Memorial after meeting Principal Raymond Payton while receiving an award for Promising Practices in Washington D.C., according to the statement.
Each student received the book “Tame Your Manners,” encouraging reading at home and sharing with their family and friends.