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Pilsen Students Star in Hilarious New Rap Video on School Rules

By Stephanie Lulay | October 26, 2015 5:44am
 Set to the tune of Macklemore's
Set to the tune of Macklemore's "Thrift Shop," Orozco Elementary students have crafted an original song on the school's rules.
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YouTube

PILSEN — Pilsen students are using pop music — and some trendy dance moves — in an effort to school their fellow students on the rules.

Orozco Community Academy's Student Council enlisted help of teachers to create a rap video and original song to the tune of Macklemore's "Thrift Shop." The music video, uploaded to YouTube, educates the school's students on the school's R.O.A.R. incentive program, which rewards the students with "Panther bucks" for positive behavior.

In the video, Orozco technology coordinator Leo Guzman raps, "Did your dog eat your homework? Or maybe you're just lazy. Don't worry, I'll call your parents, I'm sure they can explain it to me," and Principal Efrain Martinez throws "Panther bucks" in the air. Assistant Principal Amanda Pryce directed the video.

Called R.O.A.R., which stands for respectful, organized, accountable and reflective, the school's incentive program rewards students for doing good things around the school, like picking up trash, helping other students or opening doors for an elderly visitor, Martinez said. At the end of the month, kids can cash in their "Panther bucks" for an extra recess, dress-down day or a classroom party.

"Students say the R.O.A.R. pledge every morning, but we wanted something catchy with the rules to remind them, to personalize learning in the school," Martinez said. "We picked out a great song and went for it."

Martinez was named to the principal post in July after Orozco's Local School Council voted to fire the school's former principal.

The fine arts and performing arts neighborhood school, which houses a regional gifted program for Spanish-speaking English-language learners, serves students from pre-school through eighth grade.

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