Josh VonHaugg is one 13-year-old who does everything in his power to get caught red-handed by his teachers.

But Josh isn't bullying, blowing off schoolwork or committing other negative acts that usually grab the swift attention of the teaching staff. Josh is, in fact, getting caught doing the exact opposite. He's treating his classmates with respect. He's turning in his homework on time and openly encouraging his friends to do the same. He's helping out with the little things, like picking up a student's books if they drop.

And his teachers have definitely noticed.

Josh, along with 14 other Middle School students, were the first to be honored December 2 by the creators of the Bulldog Initiative, a new program that began in November at the Middle School to recognize students who commit random acts of positive behavior.

"What we're looking for is to catch students doing the right thing - the responsible thing," says Middle School Teacher Danielle Schneible. "These are students who think independently, who rise above peer pressures and show real responsibility. And that's not always an easy thing."

November was the program's first month in full swing under the theme trait of responsibility. All month long, teachers quietly watched for their students to show responsibility in every aspect of their lives, from completing schoolwork on time to being a good friend.

On December 2, the 15 students nominated from grades 6 though 8 were honored for their positive influence with certificates, small prizes and brownie sundaes served to them by their appreciative teachers.

"This program is going to build an atmosphere of trust, safety and security among our Middle School students and create a really positive place to learn," says Social Studies Teacher Andrew Wright. "We're incorporating values that students sometimes miss out on and really building up their worth to show students that we're all a family and we should be looking out for each other, making sure we're all on the right track."

So far, the program's below-the-radar approach is already giving students incentive to do good. Never knowing when a teacher might be watching, more students are doing the right thing in hopes of being recognized.

"You're starting to see how students can really shine and show what good people they really are," Wright says.

Josh, for one, is proud to get caught doing the right thing. And the eighth-grader, who wants to become an elementary school teacher one day, wants all of his fellow classmates to share the wealth.

"I think this program is going to each kids to do better in school, so they all can get nominated for these awards," he says.

The students honored by the Bulldog Initiative in November are as follows:

The Bulldog Initiative's trait of the month for December is "resilience."
 

If you have any questions about the Bulldog Initiative, feel free to contact Middle School Principal Fred Marcil by calling 872-0950, or contact any of the following teachers:
 

Sally Baker