On February 13, students and teachers from every grade at Goshen Intermediate School came together for Flock STEM Day, and the energy was incredible.
Now in its second year, the Flock initiative is rooted in the Choose Love formula of courage, gratitude, forgiveness, and compassion. By embracing Flock, the entire school community practices these four core values every single day. The impact has been powerful, with stronger attendance habits, more consistent routines, and students making positive choices that shine both inside and outside the classroom.
Each student is part of one of four flocks, creating vibrant, mixed grade teams where friendships grow and leadership skills take shape. Students also have the opportunity to amplify their voices as GIS Choose Love Ambassadors, guided by Mrs. Rampulla and Mrs. Penner.
Throughout the year, flocks earn points for positive actions such as attendance, All Stars for exceptional achievements and acts of kindness, Duck Calls for positive behavior on the bus, at recess, or in the cafeteria, returning library books, and caring for Chromebooks.
Points are displayed on a live scoreboard, building excitement, encouraging growth, and celebrating success all year long.
Flock Bridge Challenge
Students worked in groups of six “engineers” to build a bridge strong enough to hold as many rubber ducks as possible. The challenge included carefully measuring the bridge, adding creative decorations, and testing their design to see if their theory would hold up. With limited supplies such as index cards, students had to think outside the box with their designs.
Working within a 30 minute time limit, students stayed focused and motivated, rising to the challenge while keeping the four FLOCK principles at the center of their teamwork. After building their bridges, one student from each group presented the final design in the main gathering area, where all bridges were proudly displayed. Students were excited to reconnect, share techniques, and talk about how they could improve their designs for next time.
The Flock initiative continues to grow and clearly impacts teamwork, positive behavior, and school culture, keeping students and community at the heart of it all.
GIS will continue to use team building events and trimester celebrations like end of the year Pond a Palooza to strengthen pride, connection, and belonging across all grade levels.
