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T he Dirtbag Mentality is the philosophy of the Long Beach State Baseball program, whose nickname is the Dirtbags. It encourages hard work, discipline, teamwork and selflessness. The three core values taught within the classroom are:

1. Maximize your abilities
2. Understand everyone’s role
3. Put your teammates first

These core values are intended to promote student growth academically, socially, and behaviorally.

 

Jeff Thomas, 5th grade teacher at Garfield Elementary, uses the Dirtbag Mentality as part of his core values for his classroom. Students work together to support one another and embrace the Dirtbag values. Recently Mr. Thomas shared a quotation from current Long Beach State pitcher Ryan Strufing:“The Dirtbag tradition is an awesome tradition but it has to be earned! You gotta give your best 100% of the time, finish everything you start, and be the best person you can be. Support everyone around you, keep your family, friends, teachers, and teammates close to your heart.” Mr. Thomas and his class were delighted to find that Ryan was in town and wanted to come and visit the class.

On October 28th Ryan came to visit the 5th grade classes at Garfield. He spent the morning with both 5th grade classes, answering questions and talking about what it means to be a true “Dirtbag.” It was a morning that neither Mr. Thomas nor his students will ever forget.

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G arfield Elementary School students, staff and parents participated in the 2nd Annual Jog-a-Thon on October 3rd. Proceeds from the Jog-a-Thon will be applied toward the continued improvement of the Garfield playground and other PTA projects. The students ran for a combined total of 873 miles, which is the equivalent of a trip from Loveland to Minnesota! The students raised approximately $6000. Garfield Elementary would like to thank their families and friends who supported the fundraising efforts!