Members of the 100 Black Men of Douglasville greeted students at New Manchester Elementary School with high-fives and words of encouragement as they arrived Wednesday morning for the 100th day of school.
Fifteen members of the mentoring organization were at the school before students started arriving at around 6:45 a.m. The men lined a hallway near the entrance, smiling and welcoming the students with cheerful “happy 100th day” greetings, as well as handing out lots of high-fives and an occasional hug.
“I think it was really good for them to see the 100 Black Men dressed up really nice, really poised, here giving back to the school,” New Manchester Assistant Principal Sidney Wilson said.
Lishers Mahone’s daughter is a fourth-grader at New Manchester. Mahone was among the members of the 100 Black Men who came out to support the students.
“What a better pick-up after 100 days of school than to see a ton of Black men here to support you and celebrate you for accomplishing what you’ve had in 100 days and to look forward to what’s coming after this,” Mahone said.
Orrick Curry, another member of the group, said it’s important to show the students that “men care” and that there are “positive role models in the community.”
“That’s what we’re here doing,” he said.
Wilson said the 100 Black Men have partnered with NMES for a few years on several mentoring initiatives at the school, including a financial literacy program.
In addition to greeting students Wednesday morning, Wilson said the 100 Black Men were also sponsoring a writing contest for fifth graders at New Manchester as part of the 100th day of school celebration.
He added that the 100th day is big school-wide, especially in the lower grades, which incorporate counting skills into math instruction.
Many of the students dressed in costumes to look 100-years-old as part of the 100th day celebration.
“It’s an exciting time,” Wilson said.
New Manchester was among several schools across the district that took part in 100th day celebrations this week.
Bill Arp, Chapel Hill, Factory Shoals, Holly Springs, Mason Creek, Mirror Lake, Mt. Carmel North Douglas, Winston, South Douglas and Sweetwater elementary schools were among those that continued the celebration, recognizing the dedication and effort invested by students throughout the school year. Young scholars relished in celebrating 100 days of learning in style with creative costumes, activities and crafts, showcasing the excitement of being halfway through the school year.
South Douglas students took part in several activities centered around the number 100, from making necklaces with 100 Fruit Loops to painting a caterpillar with 100 dots.
The exciting milestone celebration that has transcended in schools across the globe is significant as kids reflect on their learning over the past 100 days.