Reed Elementary in the Ladue School District
has found a great way to get students involved in their school while developing leadership skills and other positive character traits.
The STARR (Students Taking Action and Responsibility at Reed) teams have been a success as students work together to serve their
school community.STARR teams were established to increase a sense of belonging among students.
To participate in a team, a student's teacher
must confirm that the student demonstrates Panther PRIDE (Patience, Respect, Integrity, Determination and Excellence).
The STARR team concept was originally adopted to replace the school's existing student council. The Principal's Council is serving that role, but the new model has opened the opportunity for many
more students to get involved at school. This school year 118 students are involved in 14 different STARR teams.
STARR teams include the PE team, which helps clean up and organize gym equipment, and the Birthday Card team, which makes and distributes birthday cards to all students. Other teams include the office messengers, the gymnastics set up team, the laptop maintenance team and the Panther Day team.
"What is very exciting is seeing the initiative students are taking," said Susan Gartenberg, counselor at Reed. "This is truly an evolving win-win program."