Vogel-Wetmore assistant principal challenges students with fun activity

TORRINGTON — Back in October 2021 Alden Paye, Assistant Principal at Vogel-Wetmore School, recognized one of the hidden impacts of COVID-19 protocols: no all-school assemblies.

Many likely remember their own elementary school assemblies: often chaotic, always bubbling with energy, and a challenge for teachers — but an essential part of establishing community at the school, Paye said.

Her solution was to initiate a series of weekly challenges, which were announced over the school intercom. Each challenge was open to all students, with slight variations to accommodate differences in grades K through 3.

While students were not required to participate, interest in the challenges grew, as well as the number of children competing each week, Paye said.

One challenge was based on a poem the children read, about a child who really wants to be “big.” Students were asked to decide if it's better to be big or small, and to give a reason to back up their choice.

Here are some of the entertaining responses:

Big, because no one can boss you around.

Small, so my blood cells get to my heart faster.

Small, because you can hide better in hide-n-seek.

Big, because you can see more.

Big, so I can go on all the roller coaster rides.

Small, because I can get my dog's toy from under the couch.

Big, so I can reach the salt in my cabinets.

Big, because you can shop and go to the beach.

Small, so I can jump in the tub.

Big, because you can stay up all night.

Sharing their responses has helped bring the school community together, Paye said. She said she will continue to offer up weekly challenges until the day arrives when they can all be together in an old-fashioned assembly.

Alden Paye / Contributed photo Alden Paye, assistant principal at Vogel-Wetmore School, Torrington, is joined by some of her students.