Gus+Adamopoulos+Award



In August 2010 Gus Adamopoulos was preparing to go into 5th grade here at Vets Park. He was on the roster for Ms Angela's class. Unfortunately, Gus never had the chance to be where you are today. Gus died in a tragic accident before he could even begin 5th grade.

Gus was a wonderful person. When we hear about Gus, we hear what a wonderful athlete he was. He played "up" in basketball. He was an avid golfer. Gus won a golf tournament just days before he died. Gus was more than just a talented athlete; he displayed impressive sportsmanship. When Gus was a team captain he would often choose kids for his team that no other captain would choose. He didn't want anyone to feel left out. Ask Mr. A. about Gus; he knew Gus well.

One thing we do not always hear about is the kind of student that Gus was. Gus was smart, there is no doubt about that. He worked very hard to learn everything he could. Sometimes he would take longer than his classmates to finish assignments, but he never got frustrated. He valued education and tried to learn everything he could. Even though he loved being outdoors, Gus worked hard in school. He was a great member of his classroom community.

Gus treated everyone with respect, all adults and other kids. Gus would volunteer to work with anyone in his class; even kids he didn't like too much. Why? Gus didn't think that anyone should ever be left out. He told the truth, all the time. Gus even told the truth when he knew that there was a chance that he, or his friends, could get in trouble. Gus displayed PRIDE every single day. You could ask his second grade teacher, Mrs. Knowles, about him. Or you could ask his third grade teacher, since she is your teacher too.

The Gus Adamopoulos Award was established in memory of Gus. Each year it is given to two students, one boy and one girl, from the 5th grade class who display similar character traits that Gus had. In order for a student to receive this award he or she must:

- show respect for all. - demonstrate responsibility. - put forth exceptional effort in school and care about grades. - have strong family values. - be a good friend to all. - love athletics. - display leadership qualities. - be well rounded (seems to be good at just about everything tried, even if he or she has to work at it). - essentially these students show PRIDE.

Since you are learning how to express your opinion, your job is to nominate a classmate to receive this award. You will tell who you think should be nominated and why. Your proof will be examples of how your nominee displays the desired character traits listed above. Follow these steps:

1. Learn a bit more about Gus by reading these articles about him.

= Augustus 'Gus' Adamopoulos remembered by Veterans Park Elementary School classmates in Ludlow =

= And the Gus Adamopoulos Sportsmanship Award goes to . . . Jack Phelan of East Longmeadow =

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 130%;">2. Use the graphic organizer provided by Read, Write, Think to map out your thoughts and at least 3 reasons why the person you are thinking of should receive this award.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 130%;">If you prefer to hand-write this graphic organizer, please get a copy from Mrs. McDonald.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 130%;"> To complete the graphic organizer: <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 130%;">- click "Get Started". <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 130%;">- Fill in the blanks and click <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 130%; line-height: 1.5;">next as you are done each part. You can always click the "back" <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 130%; line-height: 1.5;"> button if you wish to change something. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 130%; line-height: 1.5;">- Once you get to the end, you can either print it out and hand it in, OR you can click share. Type your name into the top box. Then type in Mrs. McDonald's email address for both the "send to" and "from" spaces. Mrs. McDonald's email address is: j_mcdonald@ludlowps.org

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 130%;">3. Now go to Google docs and open a new document. Type a letter to Mrs. McDonald telling her your nomination for this award. Use your graphic organizer to help you write the body of your letter where you tell why this person should receive the award. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 130%;">Remember a letter should include: <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 130%;"> - Date (top, right) <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 130%;"> - Greeting followed by a comma (2nd line, left) <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 130%;"> - Body of the letter in paragraph form using complete sentences and following language <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 130%;"> rules. This is where you tell who you would nominate, give at least 3 reasons why this <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 130%;"> person should be nominated, and provide examples of times when this person <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 130%;"> displayed the qualities. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 130%;"> - A closing (to the right, aligned with the date) <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 130%;"> - Signed with your name

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 130%;">4. Place this letter in the shared folder called The Gus Adamopoulos Award.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 130%;">5. This assignment will be graded for your ability to follow the rules of language and your ability to state your opinion while providing proof.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 130%;">6. This assignment is due Friday, May 10, 2013.