Energetic Author Promotes Positivity at Birch Lane

The new year started with positive vibes at Birch Lane Elementary School, and a visit from a noted author will help keep that momentum going. Jon Gordon, who wrote “The Energy Bus for Kids,” motivated students at a pair of assemblies on Sept. 6 along with Janice Rathjen, a certified Energy Bus speaker and trainer.

Mr. Gordon and Ms. Rathjen shared the five rules of the energy bus – create a positive vision, fuel your ride with positive energy, no bullies allowed, love your passengers and enjoy the ride. After a thorough conversation about each rule, students chanted “yes, yes, yes!” The author shared his own journey to becoming more positive, which led to him writing “The Energy Bus” for adults and then a children’s version.

For Mr. Gordon, a Long Island native, it was his first time visiting the Massapequa School District to talk about his book. Birch Lane’s program was presented in partnership with the PTA’s Arts in Education committee.

His visit supports this year’s theme at Birch Lane, “Positive energy.” Each year, Principal Stephen Aspetti and Assistant Principal Joyce Larkin introduce a new character education focus that builds upon lessons from previous years. Mr. Gordon’s presentation supports this year’s goal of encouraging students to infuse their lives with vision, hope, love and positivity.

All teachers read “The Energy Bus for Kids” within the first week of the school year and engaged their students in discussion about its messages. They were also encouraged to highlight this year’s theme to parents at back-to-school night to continue positive conversations at home.