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Mapleton, Salem, Spanish Fork, Springville, & South
Nov./Dec. 2012 ISSUE 6
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Life’s challenges are meant to teach us. By Janna Slye Sierra Bonita PR
E
aston Thomas is a delightful boy who brightens up any room he walks into. Like most first-graders, he loves sports, outdoor activities, and playing with friends. He is affectionately referred to as “cool Easton” by his teacher, upon Easton’s request. He is also a six-year-old who happens to be defying many odds. Easton has a rare genetic disorder called Hunter’s Syndrome or MPS II. His body lacks an enzyme that helps break down long chain sugars called glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in the body. These sugars or GAGs build up over time in all of the cells in his body causing multiple organ complications and failures. These GAGs also build up in the brain causing neurological problems. However, Easton is currently involved in a seemingly successful medical trial that replaces the enzyme he lacks. The missing enzyme is inserted directly into his spinal canal which allows the enzyme to cross the blood brain barrier (there is also an intravenous enzyme replacement treatment but it does not cross the blood brain barrier). Not only is this procedure halting the progression of Easton’s disease but improving his condition. Easton is able to
Mrs. Creamer and Easton Thomas
participate in his first grade classroom with other services provided as needed. Easton is considered a medical miracle and his mom states that “he has exceeded typical expectations by leaps and bounds.” Mrs. Melissa Thomas recognizes the significance of Easton’s enzyme replacement therapy in achieving some remarkable milestones but also acknowledges the efforts of his first grade teacher as an enormous contribution to his success. Easton was assigned to Mrs. Erin Creamer’s first grade class. Many blessing have been associated with his placement in this amazing classroom. When Mrs. Creamer realized she had a student with such a rare medical condition and unique challenges, she chose to be informed. With her characteristic assertiveness and tenacity, she wrangled an entire team of school and district specialists together to
Photo: Janna Slye
collectively discuss Easton and ensure he receive all the necessary services available. While Easton’s school team includes extraordinary experts, Mrs. Creamer is the driving force behind this outstanding team. Mrs. Thomas says “the work and dedication of Mrs. Creamer really blows me away. She has taken it upon herself to learn about the disease and find resources that I didn’t even know about.” She also states “I know that the clinical trial Easton is involved in is making medical history and the work Mrs. Creamer is doing with him is helping to accomplish many great things.” Sierra Bonita is fortunate to have such an incredible teacher and just as lucky to have this remarkable student! Article truncated - see full article at: http://wp.me/p2Ghli-9u
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Walk for Wishes, Bless Lives
By Anthony Bowden Sage Creek Elementary
As part of Red Ribbon week, the students of Sage Creek Elementary learned about doing good instead of drugs. The Make-A-Wish Foundation has personal significance to Mrs. Burr, the principal of Sage Creek, who has a son that had a wish granted. “I saw the power of a wish lift my son and our family. I now serve as an ambassador for Make-AWish and the Kids for Wish Kids Program. I have witnessed the lives of students blessed by the opportunity to sacrifice for the good of another child,” said Mrs. Burr. On Wednesday, Oct. 10th at the Walk for Wishes Assembly, students met four-year-old Brianna who suffers from leukemia and consented to be her wish granter. Sage Creek students led by the student council pledged to give up one recess a day during Red Ribbon Week of Oct. 15-19th and instead walk for
Walk for Wishes and Student Council
a wish. Pledge envelopes based on donations per miles walked poured back into the school. Students cheerfully and with great devotion could be seen all week walking round and round the field, while the swings and playground remained empty. With a surprise visit from Captain America and Superman dubbing them super heroes at an ending celebration assembly, the students learned that their walking efforts had paid off, raising over $3,500 to grant
Photo: Sage Creek Staff
Brianna’s wish. Throughout Red Ribbon Week, the students decorated drug free sacks for Reams, chalked the sidewalks with drug-free messages, wore dragon red ribbons, and walked for wishes! Brianna and her family will come back to share with the students again after her wish to go to Disneyworld comes true. Students will then get to see the joy they have brought to a little girl and her family by their sacrifice!
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“We Can Do Hard Things”
H
at’s off to our Second Grade Students and their teachers, Sheri Jensen, Christine Jones, Jeanmarie Andersen, Kelsey Foster and Karlee Hansen. They welcomed their students with the theme “We
Can Do Hard Things” . Then they put them right to work and proved it! Sheri Jensen reported on the event as follows: “We walked from Mapleton Elementary School to Whiting Campground, which is approximately 7 miles total. It was a very warm day which made for a long, hot walk! I am happy to report that alll the students and parents that left with us in the morning, came home with us in the afternoon.” While at Whiting Campground they had lunch and then participated in four different science rotations. Students looked for rocks, leaves, and signs of animals and textures in nature. All Second Grade children returned knowing that they could do hard things, and on top of all that they had a great time! The following picture is Mrs. Jeanmarie Andersens Second Grade class getting ready for the 7 mile trek. Second Graders “Can Do Hard Things” --Ginnie Snyder Mapleton Elementary School
Photo: Marie Hansen Janna Slye, Students, & Governor Greg Bell at Sierra Bonita Elementary
By Katie Younger Student - Sierra Bonita
you are positive, people around you will be positive too. Being civil can change On October 23, 2012, Lt. you and the people around Governor Greg Bell came to you. Lt. Governor Bell said Sierra Bonita Elementary that Sierra Bonita was a School and taught us that wonderful school and that everyone is different. He our principal, Mr. Mike talked about how everyone Larsen is great! is unique in their own way. Side note: He read The Lt. Governor also taught Hooway For Wodney Wat by us that everything we do will Helen Lester. soon come back to you. If