Photo by Jackie Baumgartner
Surprise! The hammerhead is actually a bit shyer than many other members of the shark family.Sharks and Starfish and Shrimp! Oh, My!
Ocean Commotion Welcomes Author to Phillipsburg Elementary
October 28, 2008
Anticipation could not have been higher as students and staff of Phillipsburg Elementary gathered in the gym on Friday morning, October 10 to offer underwater photographer, author, and publicist Michael Patrick O‘Neill the most unique welcome he’d ever received.
October marked O’Neill’s first trip to Kansas where he spent a week presenting in Hays and Phillipsburg schools. “My friend who graduated from Fort Hays told me I’d meet the nicest people in Kansas,” O’Neill told the students. “He was right!”
He went on to explain, “I have been in many, many schools and presented to over 50,000 students across the country and I have never had such a warm reception as this one!” Madison Mathes, a fourth grader, liked how the author responded to their play: “He was smiling the whole time and we knew he really liked it.”
The play he liked so well was part of the all school welcome assembly that featured a musical production entitled “Ocean Commotion.” The musical, directed by elementary music instructor Mrs. Kim Munyon, featured a full cast of ocean characters played by members of the fourth grade class…
A little Tiger Shark, played by Maggie Malmberg, wanted to be friends with everyone in the ocean, but they all thought Tiger was crazy. “Who wants to be friends with a SHARK?!”
Tiger meets all sorts of underwater creatures, each with their own personality and behavior quirks. Ultimately Tiger and friends discover it takes all kinds of fish to make the ocean the beautiful place it is: “It would be a dull place indeed if we were all the same.” All the students joined in singing the finale “Oceans of Fun.”
Phillipsburg Elementary Principal, Mike Gower, introduced Michael Patrick O’Neill and invited the students to enjoy the “Incredible Underwater Journey” he would take them on through photos and words. This is truly unforgettable,” commented O’Neill as he thanked Mr. Gower and the students for the welcome.
“It was fun doing the play,” said fourth grader Tatum Bartels
who played a clown fish in the musical. It was exciting getting to
represent the school that way.” Students thought O’Neill’s
presentations were exciting, too. 
Ocean Commotion
“We learned about fish and creatures that live in the ocean that
we might never have otherwise known about,” said fourth grader
Royce Turner. “His slideshow was awesome!” added third grader Noah
Peak. Third grader Ashton Flavon was amazed at “how close he could
get to the sharks without getting bit!” and appreciated “the
precautions he takes to keep safe… you have to be good at math and
science to dive safely!”
Safety and preparation through a good education were both important
elements O’Neill stressed in his presentations. “Reading, math,
science, computers and technology all help you prepare for not just
a job later in life, but also for safely enjoying hobbies like
scuba diving and photography.” Those hobbies and a concern for
preservation of the ocean environment and sea life are what led
O’Neill to write and publish over six non-fiction books for
children.
Through slide presentations of phenomenal photos taken from all around the world, students got a lesson in geography, technology, culture, and science. They also had the opportunity to handle some of the diving gear and an underwater camera like O’Neill uses on his dives.
“I liked his scuba gear,” said second grader Christian West. Zach Johnson, a first grader agreed, “I liked learning about his watch that was like a computer that tells him how deep he is.” Second grader, Trey Sides liked the slides and Kyleigh Ratliff chimed in, “I liked seeing where he has traveled taking pictures.”
“I liked holding his really big camera and his flippers, and don’t forget his goggles and vest!” said Kindergartner Zoey Dinkel. All of the students enjoyed the chance to “use his stuff” and ask questions at the end of his presentations.
The visit was a team effort on the part of all staff and students. Students read the author’s books and took part in related activities and contests, decorated their classrooms and hallways, and rehearsed for a welcome assembly for weeks in advance.
Students are always “primed and ready” for these visits. “We plan an author visit once every five years,” explained library media specialist Roxie DeWitt. “That way every student who attends the elementary school has at least one opportunity to meet a ‘real live’ author.”
The children love to read “real” stories so this year the focus was on non-fiction. O’Neill’s books were a great fit. Students explored the photos and text, gathering information and learning about the structure and cue systems in expository writing.
Teachers agree, “It is the reading experience they need to
perform well on Standards Based Tests now and gives them tools to
learn throughout their lives. They discover ways to satisfy their
curiosity about the world they live in and learn so much in the
process.” It was an “Incredible Underwater Journey” they will never
forget!
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