1 of 7

First-graders at Forest Oaks Elementary School in Chelsea celebrated the 101st day of school by donning Dalmatian costumes as a nod to the movie “101 Dalmatians," as well as completing educational activities throughout the day. (Reporter Photos/Keith McCoy)

By EMILY SPARACINO | Staff Writer

CHELSEA – Forest Oaks Elementary School teacher Denise Scroggins is accustomed to students filling her classroom, but on Friday, Feb. 4, she was surrounded by Dalmatian look-alikes.

Scroggins and her first-grade students celebrated the 101st day of school with educational activities that incorporated the number 101—and the well-known spotted dog breed from the movie “101 Dalmatians.”

“The kids dress up like Dalmatians for ‘101 Dalmatians,’ and I do Dalmatian Stations,” Scroggins said. “They just love it.”

Scroggins set up several STEM activities, in which students completed tasks like building a dog bowl with Legos and building a tower with spotted cups.

In another activity, students walked around the classroom and wrote down 101 words they saw on posters, labels and books.

“We did an activity together where we took 101 items, and I showed them how you would group 100 things into groups of 10 and how you would have one left over,” Scroggins added.

Although the day seemed to pass quickly, Scroggins said the students enjoyed getting into character with their Dalmatian costumes and face paint and completing activities that were a bit different from the normal routine.

It was the type of day Scroggins said she capitalizes on to promote a love of school and learning.

“At this age, they have to learn so much, and school can be so overwhelming,” Scroggins said. “They don’t get to do something like this all the time, so that’s my philosophy: just make it as fun as you possibly can. They’re only young once.”

More 280 Reporter

Spain Park falls in historic first flag football state championship game to Central-Phenix City

Oak Mountain downs Homewood during in-school game to remain undefeated

Spain Park High School achieves Silver distinction for AP programs

Chelsea sweeps away competition in perfect 3-0 week at Thompson Thanksgiving Invitational