Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
| By Paula Canning Staff Writer CHICOPEE Smiling proudly, Joseph Comtois, a first-grader at Selser Memorial School, told Reminder Publications that when he receives a "boarding pass" for his good behavior, he "feels happy." "It feels good because it means a lot to get one," he said. Comtois is just one of many students at Selser School who are currently receiving recognition for good behavior through a new school-wide behavior initiative, called "S.OA.R To Success". S.O.A.R stands for the first letter of each of the category that students can be recognized in: "Stay safe," "Offer a helping hand", Aim to achieve, and Respect yourself, others and our school." Created this year under the leadership of Selser Principal Irene Lemieux, in partnership with First American Insurance Agency of Chicopee, the program is designed to recognize and acknowledge "expected behavior." According to Lemieux, the importance of the program is that it teaches students acceptable behavior at school, and also promotes moral values. Moreover, Lemieux said that promoting this type of behavior makes for a more positive learning environment and higher students achievement. This behavior is observed and awarded in various designated areas throughout the school, including the playground, the cafeteria, the bus, bathroom and hallways, she said. She explained that students are given "boarding passes," for their good behavior, which entitles them to various recognitions and awarded on a monthly and trimester basis, she explained. Lemieux, who began her position as principal at Selser last year, said the creation of the program does not reflect a major behavioral problem at the school. "It's about teaching kids good, moral values that they can carry with them for the rest of their lives," she said. She said that she has already noted the program's positive affect on the students. "It's really working and the kids are very, very proud of themselves," she said. "It's just a wonderful thing for the community to be teaching these values." She said that students are constantly holding doors for one another and that she recently saw one student tell another student that was running in the hallway, " 'Hey, you're not soaring to success.' " Aisha Santos, a fifth grader at Selser, has already accumulated nine boarding passes. "I got them for helping in science, and for paying good attention," she said, adding that receiving a boarding pass "makes her happy." Seven-year-old Caleb Figueroa, a second-grader, said he "feels excited" when he is recognized for good behavior. "I think my parents are going to be so proud of me," Figuero said. Steven Garib, a fourth- grader, said, "It makes me happy every time I get one." He said that all of his classmates "try to behave better to get a boarding pass." With the help of a committee of staff members along with First American, Lemieux said that it has taken a "a lot of time and effort," to get the program up and running. "Without everyone coming together, this would never have worked out so well," she said. According to Teresa Barrientos, a guidance counselor at Selser and a member of the program's committee, one of the hallmarks of the program is that it brings the entire school community together by calling upon everyone to do their part. "You really get that family feel because everyone, from the bus driver to the custodian is trying to recognize the students for their good behavior," she said. Lisa Jennings, a teacher and also a member of the committee said the program should be viewed as a "community investment." "It's an investment in our children and their future," she said. One of the most important aspects of the program, according to Sue Miemiec, also a teacher at Selser and a committee member at Selser, is that the intitaitve gives all students the opportunity for recognition. "Not all students are going to get the best grades or do the best in sports," she said. "This gives other students the chance to be recognized." Lemieux said that First American Insurance has provided more than just a financial backing, by being active and involved in the planning and implementation of the program. James Lagodich, company spokesperson for First American, said that when the agency was looking for a community involvement commitment, the behavior initiative was seen as the "natural fit." "Our own commitment to strong principles of personal service are firmly rooted in the recognition of the importance and value of each individual," Lagodich said. "We think it is a wonderful investment in the values of mutual respect and good citizenship within the community we serve." Lagodich said that First American is frequently receives contribution requests from a variety of organizations or institutions. He said that while the company would like to help out in whatever way that it can, there is "always the question of the end result." "With S.O.A.R. to Success, we knew that we could directly help out a program and that the end result would be teaching kids how to be good citizens," he said. He added that First American wants to be "pro-active," with the program, and to continue to provide more than just financial support. Lagodich attended the school's Open House on Sept. 22, where parents were informed about the behavior initiative, and wants to continue this type of involvement. "We're here for the long haul to help in any way that we can." he said. Lemieux said that she is optimistic that the program will continue to be successful and meet its goals. "This is something that is really going to make a school work," she said. "It's teaching them to get involved in their own school and to take ownership of it, and that is what is going to make it successful." |