The program

is built around a story about a young boy who experiments with words and

learns the power they have, both positive and negative. The program teaches

students life skills that they can use to develop positive relationships.

"This

opportunity will empower our children with information and life skills

to turn negative situations, like bullying, into positive outcomes,"

says ASP Director Julia Simpson.

On Aug. 29,

ASP staff from the four schools attended a training session at the Fayette

County Board of Education led by KC3 program founder and Peachtree City

resident Margaret Ross. Staff members were educated about how the four-week

program works, given lesson plans and ideas for creative implementation.

Each ASP must

have a minimum of two activities per week focusing on the effects of labeling

before it can earn positive label certification. One activity that everyone

must participate in is reading Ross's book, "Casey and the Amazing,

Giant, Green Shirt." Perhaps the best component of the program is

that it involves not only the participation of students, but also teachers

and parents.

Staff members

say they are excited about being the first ASP in the nation to bring

KC3 to their students.

"We already

knew that the After School Program is a place where good memories are

made. The KC3 program gives us tools that can turn th ese

memories into lifelong skills for positive relationships," said Celeste

Stephens, ASP site coordinator at Oak Grove.

Schools and

buses that have already completed the certification process report a decrease

in discipline problems and referrals. East Fayette Elementary was among

the schools last year that followed Braelinn Elementary, the first school

in the nation to earn certification.

"I have

noticed that the students at East Fayette are, in general, kind and considerate

to one another. I credit 'Casey's Amazing Green Shirt' for their good

attitude. As a substitute teacher, I wish more elementary schools would

share this program with their students," said Bona Gray.

Positive label

certification for Fayette schools is being provided under the CARE (Children

at Risk in Education) umbrella of programs. The certification program

is also included in the official character education resources of the

National Museum of Patriotism.