Jared L., 11th Grade

Jared L., an 11th grader at High Road Academy, recently reached the Gold Level in the program’s school-wide behavior management system. The Gold Level acknowledges when a student has reached a superb level of character and provides a model for other students to follow. We interviewed Jared to learn more about his experiences at HRA and his journey towards this accomplishment.

How long did it take you to get to Gold Level?

It took me a bit longer because there was much growth that needed to happen for me to get to Gold Level status. It was challenge to use my (coping) strategies at times, especially when I was anxious, but I became accustomed to using them daily, and I succeeded.

What was the hardest thing for you to overcome?

The hardest thing to overcome was being respectful to other students even if they were not respectful to me or I did not relate to them. And, using appropriate language even when I felt angry, frustrated and overwhelmed.

What type of support was important for you in reaching Gold Level?

Using my (coping) strategies in every rotation and classroom.

What is the hardest challenge for remaining on Gold Level?

The maintenance of checking my emotions and making sure my (coping) strategies are in place everyday because I don’t want to be a bad example to other students. And there are also some great field trips coming up that I am looking forward to going on.

What is the most fun thing about being on Gold Level?

The most fun thing about being on Gold are the privileges of getting special lunches, ice cream parties, extra field trips and for being allowed to do higher responsibility tasks within the school.