This program follows the core values of respect, responsibility and integrity (Patriot Pride). Students will be recognized weekly, monthly, quarterly and at the end of each semester.

Upon entering the grades 6-12 buildings, you will see the Patriot Pride values in big banners: Respect, Responsibility and Integrity. There will also be signs posted in our school pertaining to behavior expectations in the hallways, restrooms, gymnasiums, classrooms, locker, commons and bus areas, activities, events, media centers, computer labs as well as expectations of behavior out in our community.

As for our community, the response to our program with regard to community partnership has been nothing short of phenomenal!

We have received monetary support from Crosslake/Ideal Lions Club, Patriot Athletic Club, Pequot Legion, Pequot Auxiliary, Citi Lights, Wells Fargo Bank, Aitkin Dairy, Lakes State Bank and our Pequot Lakes PTA.

We have received gift support from Giovanni's Pizza, Pestello's, Merritt Jewelers, Timber Jack, Mayson's Grille, Breezy Point golf, Wildwedge golf, Grand View golf, Culver's, Applebee's, Rafferty's PIzza of Nisswa and Crosslake, Sunset Cinema, Super America, Oasis, Dairy Queen of Nisswa and Pine River, with more coming in every day.

We continue to build more community partnerships. I get excited talking about the superb response Mr. McDonald and I have received from all of you!

It's obvious that people want to support something that is a positive reinforcement for our students.

How does it all work?

The weekly award is randomly drawn from a list of all students who have worked hard in class and have had no issues with attendance or discipline. These students get a "front-of-the-line" pass for lunch for one week.

Monthly awards are chosen from names of students who are caught doing something good. These names are turned in by our teaching staff, paras, cooks, bus drivers, custodians, district office staff and, yes, even administration; everyone gets involved in this program.

From these entries, two names from each grade level will be drawn and they will be awarded the prizes that were donated by area businesses.

At the end of each quarter, prizes will be awarded using all the names that have been submitted during the quarter. To qualify for the drawings, students must remain in good standing with great academics, good attendance with no discipline referrals.

Also, we will have a Pequot academic pride award drawing for all students who reach above a certain grade point for that quarter.

Each quarter is a new beginning. At the end of each semester will be our grand prize drawing for an I-Pod touch.

Everyone does not win, but the intrinsic value for feeling good about what you have done is worth more than prizes.

We believe that if we set our standards high for Patriot Pride we will have this impact, not only at school, but in our community as a whole. Thank you all for the wonderful support you have shown for this new program at our school.

I am sure you will hear more about this rewarding program. Stop by my office any time if you want more information or want to become a supporting community partner.

We ARE making a difference; it is evident both in our school and in our community. Thanks again for your support.

(Randy Hansen is Pequot Lakes Middle School principal.)