AMARILLO, TEXAS -- While most kids are out of school for summer vacation, a select group of students is back in the classroom.
That's because they're part of Travis Middle School's "Four Points Academy", which is all about learning how to take on a leadership role.
26 students have been chosen to participate in the 5 week program. Pronews 7 takes a closer look at this newly formed project in this week's Region 16 Spotlight Education report.
Educators say for years, they've been noticing that students aren't choosing careers that have leadership as a main component. In February, a few decided to change that, selecting students who will be 7th and 8th graders next year to take part in "Four Points Academy".
"We really wanted to focus on leadership activities that are hands on, highly engaging, highly group oriented type activities," said Chris Paddock, Health Teacher.
"This program is very important to the school because we want the students to take ownership of the school and to take pride in being leaders not just within the school walls, but outside the school walls as well," said Jonathan Nccord, 7th grade Language Arts Teachers.
From bringing in guest speakers like Amarillo ISD Superintendent Rod Schroder to speak to students, reading the book "The Young Travelers Gift", even bringing in the Family Support Services Peer Education Program. The school is hoping to instill leadership skills in these students and also help combat problems like bullying, cyber bullying, and harassment.
"We're going to be working with the students on presentation skills, peer mediation skills, intervention skills, decision making, because we really believe that by employing a positive peer pressure program we can start addressing some of the issues campuses face," said Brandi Reed, Family Support Services Director of Education.
If the "Four Points Academy" proves to be a success this upcoming school year, teachers at Travis say they hope to keep the leadership program going.
