Kids at Great Bend Middle School are working hard to create a great school climate. Bullying and advocating for individual students is a focus as well as an overall support of academics and excellence. This group of over 15 eighth graders is positive about being role models for the kids where they learn. They provide dances for kids who have worked hard on academics and other activities to reinforce the message that school time should be time well spent. Their sponsor Renee Buntain received training in the Renaissance Program and returned to school and proceeded to partner with kids to make a real impact on school climate. Principal David Reiser is observably proud of the efforts of these kids and their sponsor and happy with the results. You can feel the environment and culture in schools and at Great Bend Middle School, it feels great to be in school. As I look at the opportunities to give learners a leadership role and real responsibility for helping create a positive learning environment, my faith is bolstered by the example I saw at GBMS! If you are looking for an implementation of a program that has the potential to change your school’s climate for the better, I recommend a visit to GBMS and a talk with these passionate kids! Contact Mrs. Buntain for more information!