06/11/10
The Plymouth School System was infested with BUGS recently thanks to the Plymouth Kiwanis group.
Fourth graders at all four Plymouth elementary schools and St. Michael’s took part in the Kiwanis BUGS program. BUGS stands for Bringing Up Grades and local students enjoyed the fruits for their labors recently with BUGS parties at their schools as the school year came to a close.
At Jefferson Elementary, students were treated to a pizza party and punch as all 59 fourth graders received certificates for improving their grades over the school year. All of the teachers involved said they were very pleased with the students’ response and they want to be a part of the program during the next school year.
At Webster, the kids were treated with juice boxes a large cake decorated with bugs. They also received their certificates, BUGS pencils and stickers along with an hour of fun and games.
At Washington the kids enjoyed cookies with bugs on them as well as other treats and fun. 71 students received certificates. Similar parties were held at Menominee and St. Michael’s as well as the 2nd grade in Argos.
Kiwanis BUGS program chairman Rich Hersick says “this is the second year for the program locally and the response has been fantastic. In each school, a team consisting of Kiwanis members, Classroom teachers and the Principals, worked together to recognize the students who improved their grades from the previous grading period. It is our hope that this program will continue for the next school year while introducing additional Kiwanis Youth Programs at different grade levels in order to reach more youths.”
The BUGS program uses charts to track the students’ success and uses incentives of certificates, buttons and a party to encourage students to work hard in class and bring up their grades from one grading period to the next. BUGS helps students discover helpful study tips and to set goals to increase their grades. Students in the program are not competing against each other, but against their personal best. They are told it is ok to make a mistake as long as you learn from it. Even straight A students can earn rewards in the program and students who help other students achieve success are known as Super Bugs.
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one child and once community at a time. The Plymouth Kiwanis meet each Tuesday at noon at Chirsito’s Banquet Center in Plymouth and interested new members are always welcome. For more information contact Tom Sibal at 935-8442.
