Despite cutbacks, classroom challenges and other concerns some Valley teachers never stop going above and beyond to help their students.
Keith Trawick is just one of almost a dozen teachers at legacy elementary who volunteers his time after school helping the students prepare for middle school.
“I feel that as a fifth grade teacher it's my responsibility to prepare the students for a more academically and socially rigorous atmosphere,” said Keith Trawick.
He leads a program called 'Character Counts.' The program is for 5th grade boys at Legacy Elementary in Madison. It's been around for 3 years. This year 30 boys like Tommie Roden have joined the after school program.
“I wanted to get involved because it helps you become a better person and helps you stand out as a leader,” said 11 year old Tommie Roden.
“We focus on bullying, peer pressure, positive character traits and trying to promote overall positive leadership,” said Keith Trawick.
After seeing the success of the program Special Ed teacher Leah Vatz wanted to start something for the 5th grade girls. So she and other teachers at Legacy started ‘Groovy Girls’ this year. The goal is to help them get prepared mentally, emotionally and academically for middle school. The teachers also make themselves available when ever needed.
“They know that we are here to help them, even outside of the group, they can come to us when they have problems as well and we've had that happen since we've started the group,” said Leah Vatz.
Both the 'Character Counts’ and groovy girls program teaches what not to do in the future.
“Be a follower or take drugs or not bring weapons to school,” said Tommie Roden.
The students and teachers say the programs have been a success and hope other schools soon start similar programs.
