PLUS stands for Peer Leaders Uniting Students. It is all student driven by 7th and 8th grade leaders. The counselors, Mrs. Teijaro and Mrs. Moravec, serve as advisors.
The goals of the forums are:
All of this is done through thoughtful and fun activities.
In the past couple of years, the students have some really positive conversations around stress/mental health, bullying/cyberbullying, vaping, harmful language, academic concerns, relationships, racism and graffiti/vandalism. All peer driven so it is pretty inspiring to watch because students who wouldn't usually interact, are talking with each other about important issues and finding solutions.
After the Forum, students see each other around campus and are able to talk or feel comfortable with each other! It is our hope that through these positive connections, less kids will feel excluded and will feel connected to Marston.
Every Marston student should participate in at least one PLUS Forum during their three years with us. The students are randomly chosen, 10 students from each grade for a total of 30 students at each of the monthly forums, not including the leaders who will all serve on a rotating basis. Although missing class is never ideal, please know these students are participating in an experience that they will get a lot out of and remember for a lifetime.
PLUS is a national program, their website is https://plusprogram.org if you would like to learn more.