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Students dye principal’s hair pink for reaching goals

HOB Spanish immersion second-graders celebrate sustained reading milestone
November 15, 2021

H.O. Brittingham Elementary Principal Kyle Bentley takes a colorful approach to motivating his students.

Bentley made a deal with the second-grade Spanish immersion class: if they reached their reading stamina goals, he would dye his hair.

Students reached their goal of 30 minutes of sustained, independent reading on Oct. 27, said teacher Brittnee Rohls.

“Sounds easy, but for 38 7- and 8-year-olds, it’s a true feat,” Rohls said.

The class voted pink - “rosa” in Spanish - as the color of choice for Bentley’s new ’do and had the honor of coloring his hair on Nov. 5.

Before staff wrapped Bentley securely in towels and a smock, he addressed students in English and Spanish, telling them to pat themselves on the back.

“I want to say that I am so incredibly proud of each and every one of you,” Bentley said. “Thirty minutes of reading and being engaged is a long time. OK, mis amigos, be very careful but have fun!”

Students took turns spraying pink and purple colors on Bentley’s head while the class laughed.

“You gotta get the top, too!” he urged as students and staff squealed and cheered.

After his head was fully colored in swirls of pink and purple, Bentley addressed students one last time before they returned to their classrooms.

“What we do as leaders is we set goals, and we celebrate when we meet our goals,” Bentley said. “This is part of the celebration, and I am happy to do whatever motivates you to read and write.”

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