Showcasing Student Success Through Peer Program

The area’s youngest learners are getting to celebrate each other thanks to a fun tradition within LaRue County Schools.

Hawk of the Month, a monthly recognition at Preschool on College Street, allows teachers and students to acknowledge growth and good choices.

“The intention is to acknowledge students who are making good choices and in preschool that looks like: being a good friend, being a good listener, being respectful, being helpful, etc.,” Principal Karen Ward said. “We want our students to feel celebrated and also for their parents to be able to celebrate with them.”

For students who get the title of Hawk of the Month, the celebration reaffirms great behavior. Celebrating student success can be a meaningful way to foster growth, especially in young children.

Teachers like Charlotte Miller note that the award is a good way for teachers to be more aware of the small actions and growth they see in their students.

“I enjoy getting to individually recognize students,” Miller said. “It helps us to be more intentional about looking for and recognizing positive behaviors and doing it often.”

Other teachers like Cara Hill see the collaboration it brings out in students.

“I like that Hawk of the Month recognizes the students who are being great friends and leaders to the other students,” she said.

Ward said that the benefits go beyond just the children selected for Hawk of the Month.

“The Hawk of the month Celebration is something all of the students love to be a part of,” she said. “When they see their peers getting recognized with a balloon and a special picture with the Hawk they start asking what they can do to have that opportunity which allows us to have some great conversations on what it means to be a Hawk!”