At the Littlefork-Big Falls School, everyone makes a difference.
That’s the motto Angie Williams, school counselor and interventionist, is sending to each and every student.
To back up her efforts, the school last week participated in a “You Make A Difference” recognition program Williams learned about while in graduate school. She explained that the program was for each student to be recognized in a positive way by a teacher.
Teachers Thursday presented each student with three wristbands: One for the student to keep, and the others to present to someone who has made a difference and impacted the student’s life. The recipient of the other two wristbands then passes on a wristband to someone who has held meaning in their life.
“While wearing the wristband (students) will be constantly reminded that they do make a difference,” Williams said.
She added that the pay-it-forward program also allows students the opportunity to be looking for people who have been a positive influence in their lives and acknowledge them for that.
“We want to teach and acknowledge appropriate behaviors on a regular basis, rather than reacting once a problem has already occurred,” Williams said. “This program provides many opportunities for positive social engagement between students, staff and our community. This also permits positive recognition for many students who otherwise might go unnoticed unless they show negative behaviors.”
Chris Bachmeier, L-BF dean of students, echoed Williams’ thoughts by noting that he believes there is “great value” in a program like this.
“When people hear compliments and they are special to someone that they may not have really realized, it really can be an enlightening thing,” he said. “I believe that this program has made our students and our faculty more aware of the roles we play in each other’s lives, and helps lift our school to become an even greater school than what it was.”
Bachmeier added that he found every student he interacted with through the program “truly took it seriously and were moved by how much of an impact they play in other people’s lives.”
Williams said the school’s efforts to promote these types of activities won’t end with this program.
“We will continue on presenting different programs that keep us motivated and focusing on the positives,” she said.
