At left, Eagleview Elementary assistant principal April Becherer hammers in the character yard sign as, from left, Keiran, sister Harper and parents Colleen and Greg Schloemann watch with pride. (Sean McGowan photo)

April Becherer began her journey as Eagleview Elementary School assistant principal in 2015 with the goal to enhance the relationship between the school and the surrounding community.

Beginning this past fall, she found a way to do just that, visiting the homes of some of Eagleview’s most exemplary students. These home visits serve as a way to celebrate student achievements in character building and also allow Becherer to interact with the community.

“I like to go to everyone so I can build that relationship,” Becherer told the Republic-Times.

Once a month, Becherer visits 13 students at home to present them with an award.

Teachers from each homeroom select the student they want to receive the award, then Becherer surprises them
with a character yard sign.

“A student who lives here is soaring high with Eagleview pride,” the sign reads, along with the Eagleview motto, “Respect yourself. Respect others. Respect your school.”

The signs remain at the students’ homes for a month.

So far, Eagleview students have been recognized for respect, responsibility, kindness, cooperation, self-control, giving and caring.

Becherer said the school starts off the first 10 minutes of the day with character education messages and teaching students to positively interact with their peers. The students awarded for their character also receive an award during an assembly to recognize them in front of the rest of the school.

Columbia school assistant superintendent Dr. Beth Horner invited the Republic-Times to observe a home visit on Monday.

“The students are always super excited and the parents are proud and appreciative of April going above and beyond to recognize her students,” Horner said.

The Republic-Times shadowed Becherer and other Eagleview staff at the home of Eagleview kindergartener Keiran Schloemann. Eagleview kindergarten teacher Tricia Durbin, Keiran’s homeroom
teacher, chose him for the award.

“This month, our word is ‘caring,’ so all of the students that we visit will have shown compassion, empathy, and use kind words when helping out their peers,” Becherer said. When attempting to surprise Keiran, Becherer and the Eagleview staff were instead greeted at the door by his dad, Greg
Schloemann.

“He hasn’t made it home yet,” Greg apologized, at which point the Eagleview staff chuckled.
A car pulled up on the driveway, creating another false alarm.

“Oh, there he comes,” Parkview Elementary social worker Heidi Donald said in excitement.

“He’s the cutest little boy,” Becherer chimed.

“Oh no, that’s his mom,” Becherer corrected. More laughter followed.

Keiran’s mother, Colleen, indicated she was thrilled to hear Becherer would be there.

“It’s so exciting. We’re so proud of our Keiran,” she said.

Eventually, Keiran arrived but approached the well-meaning assistant principal and his teacher with nervous apprehension. His mom had explained that he is a bit shy.

“Did you know that we were coming? What do you think?” Becherer quizzed Keiran.

Keiran smiled once he realized why they were there but continued with his shy demeanor, solely nodding his head to answer questions.

“Who do you help a lot? Do you help Mikey?” Durbin asked, implying how he earned the award.

As bashful as he was, Keiran was caring enough to allow Eagleview preschool teacher Michelle
Urke to give him a congratulatory hug.

“Well, we’re going to keep this here for a whole month, so everyone knows that an awesome kid lives here,” Becherer said to Keiran after nailing the sign into the Schloemann’s yard.

The Eagleview staff then loaded up their van and drove off to surprise the next little boy or girl.