Even in a school year changed by the COVID-19 pandemic, students at Gorsuch West Elementary are being recognized for going above and beyond in their schoolwork. Each week, two students from each grade are chosen to be Masterbuilders of the week. Throughout the week, teachers and administrative staff choose students that exemplify any of the six guiding principles of the fairness, respect, responsibility, being trustworthy, caring and citizenship.
Kevin Boyer, the school's family and support coordinator, explained each school in the district has their own version of the program. The Masterbuilder project began in 2015, modeled after the popular Lego Movie from 2014. The principles became "building blocks" to match the movie and toy-line.
"It's our version of the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports program required by the state. We felt the children would identify with the movie a little more, and they've definitely engaged with it since its induction," Boyer said. "Before the pandemic, students were being recognized daily over the public announcement system. This school year has been a little more difficult."