Gaming consoles, televisions, and a car are among the items that high-achieving students at George Washington High School (GWHS) are eligible to win at the end of the school year through the annual “Making the Grade” initiative.
The program is designed to encourage and motivate students to achieve academic excellence and improve behavior.
“Without a doubt, young students are highly motivated when they know their hard work is appreciated,” said Sylvia Phillips, GWHS’s community-based resource coordinator. “We want them to see that life is full of rewards if you work toward your goals. This is a powerful mindset to have in the classroom and life. We want to boost pride in themselves both inside and outside the classroom, which sets them up for success as they move onto their post-high school lives.”
The Making the Grade program is open to all GWHS students. Ninth and 10th graders participate in the program in the fall semester of school. Students in Grades 11 and 12 participate during the spring semester. Teachers are being encouraged to nominated outstanding students for the program. Students with a 3.0 GPA or higher are placed in the running for grand prize items.
The criteria for students in Grades 9,10 and 11 include attaining 80% for school/classroom attendance, submitting 80% of class assignments, maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.5, and being in good standing with the school (no suspensions/behavior issues).
Eligibility is a little steeper for the car, a 2013 Nissan Sentra, which is specifically for seniors nominated by the staff. In addition to being on track to graduate and in good standing, students must submit a 500- to 750-word essay and attain a 90 percent attendance record.
At the Senior Awards Breakfast on May 15, one lucky student will drive away with a 2013 Nissan Sentra as a result of a partnership with TNT Collision Center, K-Love’s Auto Detailing, and the Str8 Up Mentoring Foundation.
This is the first year for a partnership with TNT Collision Center. STR8 UP Mentoring has been partnering with IPS for about nine years.
Other community partners supporting this initiative include:
- Eastern Star Church
- Amvets Post 99
- Arlington High School Alumni Association
- George Washington High School Alumni Association
- Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center
- CRU Indy
- Team Cruiser