The CHIEF March 2023

Respect Week By: Willow Dodson

Pontiac Township High School honored Respect Week through February 27th to March 4th. Like always, a lot of fun activities happened during this week. Respect Week started off with designated colors for the student body to wear Monday through Friday. Down Syndrome, Dyslexia, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, and ADHD awareness were represented by wearing certain colors. Students were also assigned to create a Respect Book based on certain themes given to them. For example one of the themes was, “What is Spread the Word?: Inclusion.” Another example would be “What are ways we can include ALL people?” Next, students were asked to create a slideshow presentation about famous historical and current figures and how they related to respect. Schools from the surrounding areas were also asked to make posters with the theme: Peace, Love, and Respect! The overall winner was Kenley Sancken from Saunemin Grade School. During one of the lunches, students signed a banner to pledge that they will choose kindness and be respectful towards others. There were activities at lunches as well such as: guessing the amount of candy in a jar, participating in a win a free pair of shoes drawing, getting a free respect item, eating free sherbet for lunch, participating in a money toss game, and getting a fun picture taken which would later be hung around the commons. The Respect Week assembly took place on Friday. The winners of the Respect Week presentations were mentioned during the assembly and had their pictures taken afterwards. Ms. Baumgardner was honored at the assembly as well, due to her retiring at the end of this year. We would like to thank Ms. Baumgardner for all of her hard work and dedication throughout the years by helping bring awareness and respect to students near and far. Rounding off the week, the community was invited to Dairy Queen to receive a free ice cream cone as a thank you and for a pledge to be respectful and kind to others. A great time was had by all. Hopes of continued thoughtfulness and politeness towards one another will be the goal this year. Everyone needs it!