We Need "Terrific Kids"!

As I have stated before, self esteem is a very imortat trait to build character trait to build in our students. It gives them the strength necessary to defend themselves against peer pressure and external influences. Failure to have self esteem for the RIGHT reasons can lead to a further deterioration of our society.

When I was in West Virginia about seventeen years ago and working at the Elkins Mountain School and a member of Kiwanas, I implemented their "Terrific Kids" program at that school. It had never been implemented in a similar setting before. EMS was a behavioral treatment center for adolescent boys, ages 13-17. Because of the age and setting, it required a little tweaking but it was a success.

I don't know if the program still exists but it would be worth exploring. Not only would it involve getting community leaders cooperating with our school system, the cost would be minimal. The returns - PRICELESS!