EVERYONE Has a Place

That is the goal of the new program called Unified Raiders at Sidney High School. The new program is to encourage students in every way possible and to help them become better citizens. It is part of a grant given to the high school for a Positive Action program. The program does not stop at the High School, but the hopes are to apply the programs in all schools. With this program the school hopes to help students find a place in school and to encourage become more involved within the school and the community.

At the opening meeting, there were sign ups for teams and the students who came were treated to cookies and pizza. An explanation of the program's goals and plans were laid out for the students and and other people who were in attendance. Along with the outline of the program, many new ideas and potential community service projects were brainstormed. Students also shared their stories and how they were able to find the place for them.

The Positive Action program will be an after school program that meets every Thursday from 3:30 to 5 p.m. This class will be student led and will begin on February 8. The class will begin with the teaching of the curriculum and then continue to team building and working on community service projects. That is not all that is included with the program. It will also have a series of smaller programs made up of teams of students to initiate within the school.

Teams are formed for Middle School math tutors, leaders for inviting parents to a "What we need from you" meetings, mentoring middle school students, mentoring middle school boys and girls on self respect and how to treat and respect others, and to organize a Q and A forum with past graduates of Sidney High School to speak with students about what to expect as they continue through high school or any other questions students may have.

One such team is also being formed for the Stop Bullying Education. This is something that will be put into place as soon as possible. It will offer support to any and all students. This team will help implement programs such as "I Am Witness" and "The Challenge," to help watch for and support students involved with bullying.