Core 4 Committee Promotes Student Leadership & Student-to-Staff Collaboration

The ”Core 4” is made up of four behaviors that PA Distance feels students need to succeed in school and their personal lives. Students are instructed and rewarded for completing tasks and showcasing behaviors themed around these positive four habits: organization, self-advocacy, working independently, and attendance.

The Core 4 Committee is made up of teachers, staff members, and high school students who lead by example and encourage their peers to exhibit characteristics within the PA Distance Core 4 during their school day. They are also tasked with organizing reward events for students who complete the Core 4-themed lessons and activities during their homerooms each month. 

“The Core 4 Committee is a group of students and teachers that provide fun events and challenges for hard-working high school students of PA Distance,” Rickelle H. said. 

“I like being a part of the Committee because, as a student, I can give teachers and staff my point-of-view to help other students succeed,” Giovanni added. “Each lesson is themed around a different attribute each month and it helps my classmates learn how to be good students.”

High school staff sponsors include the Principal, Mr. Mort, Social Studies teachers, Ms. Petraglia and Mr. Mysels, English teacher, Mr. Glaser, school counselors, Mrs. Buncic and Mrs. Mihoerck, Director of Special Education, Ms. Faith, and Behavioral Specialist, Ms. Bigos. 

“The Core 4 Committee promotes leadership skills in the team members and engagement throughout the school community with the lessons and Core 4 events,” Ms. Bigos said. “This is a great committee to be involved in; for both students and staff!”

“I have to say that I am impressed with the work of the staff and the students involved in this committee. To have students involved in the decision-making process and helping to determine what is important from their standpoint will continue to be a focus for the High School,” high school Principal, Mr. Mort explained.

“I love that I get to work with students and get to know them outside of the classroom.  We always have fun in our meetings and that is so refreshing to get to know students as real people, not just students in my class,” Miss Petraglia said. 

Similar to the PA Distance Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Rewards program for grades K-8, the high school staff’s reward system for participation in positive behavior is developed within the Core 4 Committee. 

“The committee meets regularly on Wednesdays after school,” Bella explained. “Essentially, the student portion of this group helps the staff members come up with ideas for how to get other students involved with Core 4 participation.”

”We focus on what should be given out as prizes, what events should be, look like, and what activities can be done with the resources we have,” Bella added. 

One of the winter Core 4 reward events was based on the Food Network TV show "Chopped", where contestants get a basket containing four random ingredients. Using each and every ingredient, competitors are challenged to make a delicious meal in 30 minutes. 

Jaxon is new to PA Distance and the newest member of the Core 4 Committee and has already practiced his public speaking skills by emceeing the Chopped Challenge event. 

“It’s a good mix of students and teachers and we have a lot of fun while also being productive,” Jaxon said. “I like being involved in something important that impacts students. We have a great time socializing when we get together to brainstorm ideas.”

Recently, students participated in a prize drawing in March for the Core 4 activity in February based on the self-advocacy attribute. 

“In March, we gave out t-shirts, hats, Rubix cubes, and pop-its,” Mr. Mysels explained. “It’s always fun for the kids to decide what they think their peers will like as prizes.”

The Core 4 Committee has been brainstorming ideas for the upcoming reward event in April. Members of the student body who completed March’s Core 4 lesson and activity get to participate in April’s event. 

“During our meetings, we throw ideas around to see what events are doable in the time that we have. All of the members participate by giving out feedback and opinions on possibilities,” Bella said. “We always want to make each event educational and fun for all students.”

After having completed other reward activities of skill pitting students against teachers, the Committee decided to add another exciting virtual event this April: Teachers vs. Students Jeopardy.

“The Committee decided a friendly game of Jeopardy would be the highlight for the month of March. I can't wait to see the competition and the fun ensue!” Mrs. Mihoerck said. “It is such an awesome experience to celebrate the students with these activities.”

The Committee also plans to coordinate an end-of-year celebration where each homeroom reviews all of the Core 4 lessons and we end with a big activity before the school year is over.

“If you have ever attended a Core 4 Committee event, you know just how fun they can be! The end-of-the-year celebration will not disappoint,” Mr. Glaser said. Overall, members of the Core 4 Committee admit that their student peers aren't the only one’s being “rewarded” during these events.

“Being a part of the Core 4 Committee is honestly so rewarding. Not only do you have top-tier entertainment but you get to see the behind-the-scenes and get to see how much PA Distance teachers care,” Rickelle added.

Above all else, the Core 4 Committee is focused on letting PA Distance students shine, grow and develop the skills they need to become leaders of our community once they graduate.

“The student leadership that is shown in these meetings is truly amazing and I appreciate Jaxon, Giovanni, Rickelle, and Isabella for being great student leaders,” Ms. Faith said.

“Student voice will continue to play an important part in the future of what we do here at PA Distance!” Mr. Mort added.