Albert Cassens Elementary Students and Teachers Learn Perseverance Amid "Family" Atmosphere

Teachers inspire fourth graders to rely on themselves in tough situations.

Jan 30, 2026 12:00 PM Jan 30, 2026 1:37 PM

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Students Brooks, Lucy, Maclain, London, Ronan and August show off their

EDWARDSVILLE/GLEN CARBON - Albert Cassens Elementary School fourth graders are pleased to announce they would thrive in an extreme survival situation.

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The students recently learned about survival in their “Wit and Wisdom” unit, where they read survival stories and wrote their own personal narrative about weathering a storm. But beyond that, the teachers emphasized the importance of hope and perseverance, noting that you can always count on yourself.

“You’re your number one asset,” explained August, a fourth grader. “If you don’t know how to do something, you have to approach it differently and not stop until you find out how to do it.”

These are the lessons imparted by teachers like Lynn Scheibal, Gina Law, Samantha Klang, Maggie Coca and Heather Hall. The English language arts teachers encouraged their students through their reading of “Hatchet” by Gary Paulsen, and they helped students write their own stories of survival.

Students learned about extreme settings and how to describe experiences using their five senses and emotions. They developed a sense of theme and followed a basic story arc in their narratives. The teachers noted that this is a great opportunity for students to play with their imaginations, and they “get really into it.”

The teachers also focus on bigger life skills. Perseverance is a challenge for most fourth graders, but as they read the book and saw how the main character persevered, this encourages them to manage their own “productive struggles.”

“Perseverance is not something that comes naturally to a fourth grader,” Coca said. “They want onto the next item quick, bigger and better things. So this book has them kind of step back and realize that, in a tough situation, I need to persevere. I need to dig deep inside of myself and decide, I can do this. What is the knowledge that I have at this stage in my life that will help me?”

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These lessons go beyond extreme survival situations, of course. Students demonstrate perseverance when they solve difficult math problems or conflicts in their friendships. The teachers are proud of how they handle these challenges and happy to know that their lessons have an impact.

“What else do I have? I have me,” Hall said. “Regardless if I lose everything now, I still have me. And I think that’s just kind of what we kept building up into our kids. No matter what is going on in the world, you have yourself, and you can depend on you.”

The kids have taken these lessons to heart, and they noted that their teachers go above and beyond every day. They expressed their appreciation for the staff at Albert Cassens, who, fourth grader London said, are “nice.”

Maclain and Ronan added that they “keep it simple” while pushing them to try their best. Lucy shared that she is glad the teachers keep her safe at school every day.

“I like how the teachers are so enthusiastic and so caring, and they do different stuff every year,” 10-year-old Brooks said. “If you keep trying to do something, eventually you can get it, especially if you try your hardest.”

Klang and Scheibal, both new additions to the Albert Cassens team this year, echoed their students. They shared that the transition to Albert Cassens has been smooth with support from their fellow staff members and administrators.

“I truly feel like, in the walls of this building, that we collaborate and we support each other,” Klang explained. “There is always somebody in my corner. I think it’s really cool to have.”

At Albert Cassens, the teachers and students work together as “ohana,” or “family.” The staff models this and the students pick up on it quickly.

“Having five teammates is wonderful. Everybody in the school has been helpful and welcoming, so it’s been a great experience,” Scheibal added. “They’ve been so supportive, just having the collaboration and people willing to help. It’s been a wonderful family atmosphere, and I’m really grateful to be in this situation."

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