Five Star Life: Giving Students the Ability to Look Forward
“When students form a connection with their environment, they just do better. Many studies show that when students have a relationship formed with their peers and teachers, they perform better overall because things actually matter to them.”
Renee has been a teacher for the last 25 years with a wide range of experience, teaching students from 2nd to 7th grade. At Schmucker Middle School, she is part of an Advisory Committee with the goal to “create a community within the middle school.”
Schmucker has implemented our Video Curriculum for Classrooms and has already seen great success. The Video Curriculum has aligned perfectly with the overall culture the Advisory Board wanted to see in the school.
“Five Star has given these students the ability to look forward. The students have an open mind set now. They don’t just think of themselves, they think of others. They have also realized they have things in common with other students.”
This sort of bond doesn’t happen at every school. Schmucker has been a part of the afterschool program for years and now has the Video Curriculum school wide. Renee has seen a sense of open-mindedness and deepened understanding among the student body. She believes this is a direct reflection of Five Star Life programming.
“Students have become better problem-solvers and have learned how to deal with situations that may be uncomfortable for them. This helps them look at their lives in an upward way.”
Since the Video Curriculum implementation, Schmucker has seen a 43% decrease in disciplinary referrals.
“So many positive things have come from Five Star and I wish more students out there had the opportunity to have this type of program in their school. This program develops community, develops self-esteem, teaches students to be problem-solvers, and teaches them to be lifelong learners that can truly make a difference.”
Thank you for all you do, Renee! We are grateful for all you have done for students over the past 25 years. More and more schools will be highlighted over the course of the year, so keep up the good work and you could be featured next! For more information on FSL Video Curriculum and how to get it in YOUR school, please visit our Video Curriculum page or contact us at videocurriculum@fivestarlife.org. Also, if you have a story to share about your school, please send them to us on our Share Your Story page.
