August 23, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Seeing is Believing at Claude Huyck Elementary School

Actions might speak louder than words, but at Claude Huyck Elementary School in Kansas City, Kansas, the staff isn't taking any chances. They're making sure that both their actions and their words are used to show students how much they believe in their success.

Before the start of the school year, all staff (including teachers, secretaries, custodians, etc.) collaborated on writing "believe" statements regarding the students. "Believe" was the theme of the KCK Public Schools' Convocation earlier this month. Each staff member wrote three statements and chose their favorites, placing them on a bulletin board in the hallway. One staff member displayed her Convocation "Believe" t-shirt on the bulletin board as well. The purpose of the display is to let students know that wherever they go in the school, there is someone who believes in them and their success.

"The bulletin board is in a place where kids wait in line when they go to lunch or the restroom so they have time to read it for themselves and see that we believe in them," said Vicki Smothers, principal. "We're trying to show them not only through our actions, but also through our own words."

The statements are heartfelt and inspiring. Shelly Arnote, night custodian, wrote "I believe that every child has a purpose and we are here to help them realize that purpose."

Smothers said the staff plans to expand on the idea by posting "believe" statements all throughout the school. They also will have the students write their own "believe" statements about themselves.

"I truly do believe that half the battle for our students is believing," Smothers said. "Belief is just so much of every one of our lives. There are so many things we have to go through in life, and if you don't have belief, you will never get by."