Cassopolis High School is excited to announce its participation in the “think.respect” campaign with an official kick-off March.

Cassopolis is one of 23 pilot schools selected throughout the state to receive grant funding to implement initiatives in the school that will directly impact student’s physical, emotional and social well-being. Students and staff participated in the kickoff by wearing shirts to promote the campaign, as well as the school’s individual slogan: think unity.respect diversity.

“Cassopolis has traditionally focused on academics, similar to many schools in Michigan. The goal of think.respect., however, is to focus on the student as a whole, incorporating their physical, mental and social health into the school setting,” Hiawatha Francisco said. “We are pleased with, not only the progress that has been made by our students and staff, but also by the reception think.respect. has had from the students.”

Each of the 23 pilot schools selected specific initiatives, or focus areas, where their school could benefit from some focused attention. The initiatives selected were based on feedback from students and staff and are focused on student health and safety. Cassopolis has selected Get Up! Be Active!, Ranger Wellness, Bullying, Body Image, and College Promotion as the areas to focus on in the 2012–2013 school year.

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is implementing the funding for the grant, which was received from a federal grant, for the program. MDE will be monitoring and evaluating the progress made by each school and will report back at a federal level. The success of the 23 Michigan schools, as well as schools from 10 other states participating in the pilot program, will determine if this grant is made available nationwide in the next decade.