Redwing Cash!- These tokens are given to students who exhibit positive actions and behavior. The students must EARN these tokens from a teacher or advisor in order to collect them. Eventually these tokens can be collected in order to earn a large prize or one that allows you 20 cents at the Red Zone!

 South High has taken its two year old Redwing Way athletic program and moved it into the classroom. Redwings are expected to show effort, leadership, pride, respect and commitment in all aspects of high school life—in the classroom, hallways, fields, pools, and courts.

         Previously to prepare athletes for their upcoming seasons Speed and Agility Camp was created to improve athletic skills. Hosted by Prevea Sports Medicine, the camps help athletes stretch and train. Pre and post testing shows the athlete and coach the rewards and benefits of the intense program to improve their ability.

        However, the Redwing Way has taken on a new meaning to all students this year, not just athletes—and the hope is to create a stronger Redwing community. The Redwing Way was discussed in classes on the first day of school and now incorporates academics and athletics.

          The five different categories that were prevalent in speed camp – Committed to Responsibility, Productive Effort, Respect, Pride, and Leadership – are also brought to the classroom. Under these categories, there are several behavioral traits that a student should have in the classroom, hallway, and the commons as well. Also included will be expected behavior during each students’ arrival, departure, and extra curricular activities.

        Students were warned to keep the hallways clean, remain in the commons until dismissal, and to utilize their own locker. Students will also be warned to keep their lockers locked and not preset. This will show responsibility for ones own belongings.

        Students were taught the definition of formal and informal and reminded that school is a formal setting. This word helps everyone have a common vocabulary in dealing with new dress code requirements. Shorts require a 3” inseam, skirts must be 12” long. Yoga pants and leggings are no longer appropriate as pants for high school students. The staff want all students to be prepared to dress in the real world for events such as interviews.

        The major goal of the Redwing Way program being brought into the classroom is to teach students life lessons they’ll need in their future. With new rules such as a referral after every third tardy, this could potentially increase the school’s’ attendance rate as well as lower the attendance rate.

        Another goal of the Redwing Way is to get the students and staff involved with each other. It is a method to make the relationships closer and stronger. Students are encouraged to set an example for other students, this is where the leadership category comes in. Included is the Be The Change program at South which works to end harassment and bullying. Support and encouragement to others is a huge part of the Redwing Way.

       Along with the new changes, South High has added a homeroom to the student’s schedule. Homeroom will be a 20 minutes period where students can learn more about the Redwing Way. These 20-minute seminars will allow the Redwing Way to be apart of the students’ lives everyday.

          All students were to be informed of the Redwing Way on the first day of school in all classes. Each hour covered a different part of the Redwing Way. Classes also went over the expectations for the Redwing Way repeatedly, as the goal is to get the students used to the new regimen. With everyone’s cooperation and pride at South High, the Redwing Way program should make for another great year! The Redwing Way helps give athletes, and now students, the opportunity to improve on multiple levels. With the lessons and importance of effort, pride, leadership, respect and commitment; we can all be proud to call ourselves RedWINg’s!

Story and Photos By: Senior Sara Becker and Senior McKenzie Noltner