In the Middle School office, there is a basket filled with highlights from the first quarter of good character demonstrated through action.  One note in the basket recalls a student who was trustworthy during a inter-class competition.  The teacher of the class miscalculated the points earned by the student’s team and was about to award the team first place based on this error.  The student spoke up about the error despite the fact that it caused his team to forfeit first place.  Another not in the basket recognizes a student for compassion.  The student reached out to a staff member who needed a helping hand by carrying several heavy boxes for them from the building to their car.

For Middle School students and staff, these special notes are known as Bear Paws.  Each Bear Paw is a certificate that recognizes a student for demonstrating on of the seven “Principles At Willow Springs” (PAWS) by being responsible, respectful, cooperative, compassionate, flexible, trustworthy, or mission-driven.  Students can exchange these Bear Paws for privilege certificates by turning them in to one of the Middle School administrators and explaining how they demonstrated one of the PAWS.  These privilege certificates allow them to enjoy a reward such as earning five bonus points in a subject of their choice or having the opportunity to reserve a table in the lunchroom.

The most important outcome of the Bear Paws are the impressions that they leave behind on the individuals who demonstrate and witness them, and the quality of our community as a whole.  The Middle School Bears are working as a team to make good character, the foundation of our learning community. ~Middle School Principal, Pietroburgo~