Being respectful, responsible, kind, and hardworking (RRKH) is our golden rule here at Northwest High School. These words have been echoed in the hallway of our school for years now, created by none other than Geoff Bontrager, our school’s superintendent. The RRKH rule has shaped the mindset and expectations of students here at Northwest High School.
Phil Sczykutowicz is an assistant principal at Northwest High School. Sczykutowicz has been an assistant principal for 11 years. He applied for the position after being a teacher and has continued to fulfil his role as an assistant principal since then.
“Within our green team for behavior, we try to focus on promoting positive culture around RRKH. We would love to see kindness,” said Sczykutowicz.
Showing kindness and consideration to teachers and students can help the learning environment.
Our rule does not just stay in the classroom; it has also shown up in the hallways during lunch and even in after-school activities. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions and assist one another in times of need. Teachers also make sure to recognize students who follow the expectations.
“It’s on our tickets,” said Sczykutowicz.
Northwest High School, including the Middle School, has a positive behavior intervention and
support (PBIS) system. Teachers can give tickets to students to acknowledge individuals who are committed to being respectful, responsible, kind, or hard-working. What you can do with these tickets is put them in our bins at the front of the office, and students can receive prizes when their name is drawn.
Responsibility can be more than just coming to class and paying attention. It can also be taking accountability for mistakes and actions. Responsibility is one part of what makes a good student. Rayne Thornsberry is a Literature Composition teacher; this is her first year teaching after being a student teacher last year.
“Being responsible means coming to class prepared, not sleeping during instruction, and also following along when reading a class book,” said Thornsberry.
Respectfulness is another important quality we encourage at Northwest. Being respectful means treating classmates, teachers, and staff with kindness. It also means listening and paying attention when teachers or
another classmate are talking, following directions, and valuing others’ belongings.
Hardworking is something else we encourage at Northwest. Kaelyn Gober has been coaching competitive cheerleading for six years and sideline cheerleading for seven years. Gober became a cheer coach because she loved the sport and wanted to continue to grow with it.
“You aren’t going to get anywhere by not putting in any effort. Why would you want to settle for being mediocre, you want to get somewhere,” said Gober.
The RRKH rule has been substantial at Northwest High School, giving students a disguised pathway to our rules and expectations. This rule continues to be promoted in the hallways and by staff members, making it a successful way for our students to grow.
