Students Love Elk Rapids and ER Schools
The Elk Rapids Respect Charter: "We are ER - A Safe, Respectful and Carring Community."
The following excerpts are from Elk Rapids students in grades 3 through 12. The assignment was to write a paper about the true meaning of the school's "Respect Charter" and what the three parts of the charter mean to each student on a personal level. They were encouraged to write about their own experiences at school and in the community, and how these reflect the words of the charter. The excerpts below are only a small sampling of the best essays and we hope it gives you a better idea of how much the students really love thier community and the Elk Rapids schools.
Note: We are only showing you the first name of each student to protect their privacy online.
"Elk Rapids made me feel welcome and important and this made me the happiest kid around."
Mary
In Elk Rapids we pride ourselves on the beauty and closeness of our community. In this small town, everyone knows everyone and no one is a stranger…On my arrival in Elk Rapids Schools, in third grade, my fellow students accepted me for who I was, no questions asked. To a new student that acceptance can mean more to them than the whole world. At that moment I felt like I was the world, or at least on top of it. Throughout school I continued to meet new friends and spread that feeling of acceptance to every new person I met. Elk Rapids made me feel welcome and important and this made me the happiest kid around.
Haley
The coldest, greyest day this February was one of extreme warmth for me as I saw nearly all the members of my eighth-grade class show caring for our community in a truly heartwarming way. Our group of over one hundred people volunteered at the Michigan Special Olympics, a year round sports training program and annual competition for intellectually disabled athletes. Elk Rapids was the only school district that sent a group to help cheer on some of the one thousand athletes…My day at the Special Olympics helped me grasp the wonderful perspective of the participants. It also made me notice something special that sets my eighth-grade class apart. On that dreary February day, we were the only teenagers there to encourage the athletes. Giving back to our community and some of the amazing people who are part of it was a great way to show what is unique about Elk Rapids.
Abby
Our village of Elk Rapids, situated on the beautiful shores of Grand Traverse Bay, is home to a tight-knit and caring community. Like the bodies of water that surround us, we are often affected by the ripple effect. When an event happens to one of us the whole community feels the impact. An outpouring of compassion continually overflows our shoreline as aid is offered unselfishly at every possible opportunity. Tragedy and celebration alike, a strong current of community flows deep within our Elk family.
Caitlin
I attend Elk Rapids Cherryland Middle School. I’m proud to be attending this school because I feel safe here. The teachers, staff, students, and principal make me feel comfortable to work, learn and enjoy school, like every kid should.
James
The teachers care about students because they want us to go out into the world and make it a better place. They want the students to go help and make a difference.
"I never want to leave. I would miss everyone and everything so much."
Kaley
Summers here are the best. Harbor Days and Wednesday Night Lives are so much fun. I have always told my parents that I never want to leave. I would miss everyone and everything so much.
Garrett
I first arrived at Elk Rapids about four years ago when I joined the Elk Rapids School District. As I entered Lakeland in fifth grade, I was nervous because I did not know anyone at the school. The first day I arrived, we were going on a field trip. When I got to the school, I was introduced to the class, trembling with fear. I was surprised at how kind and respectful all my classmates were. As the days passed, I got to know a lot of friends who let me sit with them at lunch and play football at recess. This was very special to me at the time, because Elk Rapids felt like a home to me. Now I realize how important and caring the Elk Rapids community is.
Taylor
When I moved here in 5th grade I thought it was going to be the worst thing of my life. I thought it was going to be a big school with really mean people but it was the totally opposite. It was a little town very nice people with a lot of loving to give. The first day of school I was horrified. When I arrived at school everyone had a friend to talk but soon people came up to me and asked my name and told me theirs. It was probably the best first day of school of my life.
Kacey
Last year a classmate of mine got very sick and was out of school for what seemed like a whole year. It wasn’t long until all of Elk Rapids knew, and just about everybody was willing to help her out. This shows how caring we are. When a community is small, it is a lot easier to be caring because you know more people. If Elk Rapids was bigger I feel that it wouldn’t be such a caring town…Another example of our town being caring is all of the volunteer work that goes on. Like we have an assignment in gym class, we have to do a community service project. This year almost everybody traveled to the Special Olympics and helped. By the end of the day, everybody was talking about how they wanted to go back.
Tiffany
The beautiful community of Elk Rapids…has clean lakes and green parks. We also have great athletics programs, our test scores are above average, we treat our town with respect and dignity…When my first hour English teacher told us that we could all help pick up garbage around the school we all volunteered because we have respect for our school.
"Being here at Mill Creek is an honor to me."
Olivia
Most of all, we are respectful because we care…We respect our wonderful teachers too. I mean that! Being here at Mill Creek is an honor to me.
Rebecca
The senior citizens of Elk Rapids, also familiar faces at the local AMVETS post, walk up to me and congratulate me for my honorable title as Miss AMVETS. A WWI veteran hugs me with tears in his eyes and he sits me down to tell me of the amazing world records he broke as a pilot. The evening is continued with great chats with old friends and new residents. It is no trouble to find a nice person to talk to that has great things to say about this town. This town is full of people who care for one another and have respect for their town.
Katie
I am continually in awe at the caring nature of Elk Rapids citizens and their loyal dedication to the town and schools. As ardent fans at the soccer games, supportive consumers at bake sales and willing volunteers at school events, the villagers can always be counted on for encouragement.
John
Although I do not always realize it, I have had the opportunity of growing up in quite a wonderful place. Endowed with a spectacular geographic location on East Grand Traverse Bay, Elk Rapids continues to be the ideal habitat for the development of the individual. From the local Cinema Theater, to the Village Market, Elk Rapids shines with small town pride. A safe, nurturing, environment where students can thrive; a mutual respect that unites us in harmony; caring is the glue which holds us all together. We are the community; we are E.R.
"I love Elk Rapids. THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!"
Aubrey
In Elk Rapids, you don’t have to worry about people calling you names or yelling at you. You can visit any school in the Elk Rapids School district and see that the teachers, the volunteers, the adults, and the students are treating each other with respect…Everywhere you go in Elk Rapids, you can find caring people. When a new business comes to the Elk Rapids area, you can bet that everyone in Elk Rapids will be there to help them grow and succeed. When a new student comes to the Elk Rapids schools, everyone’s ready and willing to help them learn about Elk Rapids. Over all, Elk Rapids is a very safe, respectful, and caring community.
Kuryn
Everyone in the Elk Rapids community is also really caring of each other like when my grandma went to the emergency room. The Elk Rapids community all pitched in and gave her a card and flowers to show her that we all cared about her. A lot of people went up to the hospital to visit her to show that they all cared.
Stu
In Elk Rapids, people of all races and ages are treated fairly. Exchange students, migrant workers, and people of various races are not treated unfairly or disrespectfully. Elk Rapids also prides itself in our caring nature. A friend of mine has minor epilepsy, and on some occasions has gone into seizure during school. On the rare day that this happens, Elk Rapids School staff members have always been willing to help him and keep the students around him safe. I take pride in being a citizen of Elk Rapids, Michigan. I have always felt safe, respected, and cared for.
"Here, in this small community of Elk Rapids, I finally felt safe."
Brittney
Growing up in a large school just outside of Detroit, you were just another translucent face in the crowd. I did not always feel safe as a young child, and many of the students were rude and seemed to exist for the sole purpose of spreading cruelty. Though a large school was exciting in many ways, it gave me a sense of insecurity. A sense of security did not return until my family and I moved to Elk Rapids. I was unexpectedly welcomed into the school system by warm and welcome arms. I was shocked. It was much smaller than my previous school, but the small number of students created a homey atmosphere which was easy for a new kid to adjust to. To my astonishment, everyone knew everyone else. My initial thought was that such a care could not possibly be genuine, but the students were all respectful of one another and treated each other with such sincere care and understanding, that my skepticism soon evaporated. Here, in this small community of Elk Rapids, I finally felt safe.
Andrew
In my years of being enrolled in Elk Rapids, I have always had a sense of security. Especially in a town full of friendly people, where locking your car is an unnecessary precaution. It is almost impossible to make a trip into town without seeing many people always waving, smiling, and people not hesitating to hold open the door for the occasional stranger. Every weekend many church youth groups get together and go around the community helping the less fortunate or elderly. These tasks vary from fall and spring-cleaning, picking up garbage in public places, to an annual turkey dinner served to the homeless. All around, Elk Rapids is a safe, respectful, and caring community.
Hannah
Elk Rapids community is a caring community. Teachers encourage you to do your best because they want to see you succeed. When someone needs help there has and always will be a kind teacher more than willing to help you. Every morning when I come to school there has always been a teacher to greet me. It’s always a good feeling to come to school and hear, “Good Morning, how are you today Hannah?” Not only once but numerous times. This makes me feel safe.
Chelsea
I never considered going anywhere else for school. I didn't want to. I wanted to be under the umbrella of Elk Rapids (at least until college) and on top of the world, that safe, middle ground where anything is possible.
Sarah
While playing sports at the high school I have come to know some amazing coaches. They have expressed concerns for me and helped me immensely, not just in the sport itself, but in my life.
"Elk Rapids is my favorite place to live & go to school. Come to Elk Rapids you will absolutely love it!"
Alyssa
...this past spring break, I was hospitalized for a week for a severe kidney infection and underwent surgery to remove my appendix…my principal, teacher, and a few students called and came to visit me in the hospital. It meant so much to me that my school was so respectful and caring to take time out of their busy days to brighten mine…This experience has thought me a lot; especially about the community and wonderful people that I get to see each and every day.
Amanda
As a new student and a freshman at Elk Rapids High School, I first felt that it would be hard for me to adapt to the new school and find new friends, I thought that I was going to be the odd girl out, but the other students laughed at my jokes and talked to me just as if I had been their best friends since kindergarten. I felt so rewarded because I was at a school that accepted and welcomed me without any hesitation. I now have the greatest friends in the world and the Elk Rapids Schools system has done that for me.
Thair
If you’re looking for a school that is safe, respectful, and caring than you are look for Elk Rapids Schools. They are the best!
Micah
Elk Rapids Schools are a safe place for kids to learn and have fun. That is why my mom and dad choose to send me to this school.
Kathryn
To pinpoint one example of kindness or sign of safety would be nearly impossible, because acts of these sorts are happening everyday. There is a blanket covering our small town, a blanket woven together by close knit threads. These woven fibers represent the people in our town. Everywhere you go, you are met by a friend, one that could be a classmate or a teacher. Having people that care about you outside of your family keeps you safe, and helps develop character. It is also a wonderful feeling to have so many people share in your accomplishments and to know you have many fans supporting you in all you do. I firmly believe that we are receiving a better education because of this. Big schools may be nice, but I wouldn't trade our school and all the people in it for anything. The blanket we have grown to love and cherish is genuine. This blanket is one of the close-knit friendships and relationships, and this is Elk Rapids.
Cari
It is a beautiful place to live. I moved here in 1st grade. In Dearborn I had 38 kids in my class. So if I got lost it would be a while till someone noticed. But here it is different. My classes never exceed twenty-seven people, which means less of a crowd. It also reduces the number of fights. Everyone helps all the younger children, and the kids are respectful to the teachers. The office ladies are caring as well. On my first day in Lakeland I was scared because my dad was really late but everyone was nice and helped cheer me up.
Stacy
Mill Creek is a caring community. We say please and thank you. We help people tie shoes. We sit by friends.
Michelle
Elk Rapids schools are a really nice place to be. They always make sure that you are in a safe and comfortable environment. There are the nicest teachers and they are really cool, they care about how comfortable you feel and if you’re nervous or if you’re having a bad day. It is also a very safe environment to be in. Everybody cares and wants to know if you’re okay or not.
"We have a community of caring, creative, and loving individuals."
Anna
In the last four years I have been able to visit every school in our district, and the uniqueness of Elk Rapids has become incredibly apparent…Our schools may not have stone tile floors and cathedral ceilings, but we have a community of caring, creative, and loving individuals. I am exceedingly grateful that I have attended Elk Rapids Schools for my entire life; smiling faces and compassion are far more valuable than expensive proms and landscaped campuses.
Mary
I feel no new student should have trouble finding friends or being accepted…There are so many different people here, and they are very open to finding a new friend. Our school has a sort of laid-back atmosphere, yet our students strive for excellence, and achieve it.
Cameron
I have been a student here for nine years and have experienced a wonderful learning environment...The teachers are highly qualified and more than anything want their students to learn and succeed. The class sizes are relatively small, making individual attention a key benefit.
Kelsey
At our school people respect each other. The principal, Mr. Starr, has taught the kids to respect other kids by being kind to us, reading respect books, teaching the code of conduct, and talking to us about respect...Our school is caring because we have remarkable teachers and the best principal. Mr. Starr cares for us by teaching us high-quality things like not to do drugs/smoke. This is Lakeland Elementary.
Kaitlyn
Here at Elk Rapids High School we understand that age does not determine your worth as a human being, therefore the seniors respect the freshman and likewise. This is universally displayed at the annual pep rallies hosted in the high school gymnasium. During these assemblies the entire district accumulates in high spirits. Just to stand there and feel the great feeling of gratitude radiating off of each other and having all the energy directed toward the same target, school pride.
Luke
I think there is respect in all sorts of places. I think my mom, Lisa, is a good example of being respectful. I think that because my mom comes to school and helps. For example, my mom comes to class every Monday to help Mrs. Bailey out. I think it is respectful when people do things they aren’t told to. Kind of like when I unload the dishwasher, or clean my room.
Taylor
Elk Rapids is astonishingly respectful and caring. The schools and the students here are superb. If you come to Elk Rapids you will feel respected and cared for. The students here are so caring, you could be purple with yellow polka dots and they would still like you. You can be from outer space and we will still welcome you. Here in Elk Rapids we always follow the golden rule, treat people the way you want to be treated. So come to Elk Rapids and our schools, where you will always be respected. “Lakeland Elementary Where Children Come First.”
Spencer
Our community is caring because whenever our school needs money for a fundraiser the community gives us some. For instance, right now the forth grade O.M. team at Mill Creek made it to Worlds. They need money to go to Colorado for the competition, so our community purchased Elk Pride bracelets and pins to help them acquire enough money. Also, our community is contributing money for Finish the Dream so we can make a new track around our football field in addition to improving other fields. You can see our community cares about future students who participate in sports. Those are some ways that show that our community is caring. That’s why I like Elk Rapids!
Garrett
The town is very respectful. Whenever I go to a store I always see someone helping another by holding the door or just smiling and waving. It makes me feel good knowing that everybody will help you even if they do not know your name. Elk Rapids is a very caring community.
Kameron
Lakeland Elementary is a caring community because we help with many things. When the Tsunami happened we donated a lot of money. We filled shoe boxes with sandals, clothes, toy’s, and other things for victims. We donated food for canned food drive to help people in our community who need it. We also donated a lot of our pet food and pet supplies for the Antrim County Humane Society. We help others and treat others as equals. This is why Elk Rapids is a safe respectful caring community.
Megan
Elk Rapids is a caring community because for those who need help with something for example when was carrying to many things in my hands there is always someone there to help me. When someone gets hurt there is always a friend or a grown up right there and ready to help. In school we show we are a caring community for example when our student council came up with an idea to raise money for people in the Tsunami and they put together shoe boxes for the kids who lost their home. Those are the reasons why Elk Rapids is a carrying community.
"It made me feel good that everyone in the community cared so much about me."
Jessica
I think that caring is about helping people and being kind. When you are caring, you listen to others. It isn’t very hard to be caring. When I was about two or three, my house burned down. My mom and I were not home and no one was hurt, except my three cats. I still feel sad that many things from when I was little were ruined from the fire. The community gave us many things for our new house. We received things like furniture, kitchen, appliances, decorations, and a lot of other things. It made me feel good that everyone in the community cared so much about me.
Jesse
Lakeland Elementary helps with fundraising events to help other people in need. Sometimes we send letters to soldiers to cheer them up…If someone is left with no one to play with, someone will ask him or her. That’s why Lakeland Elementary is a caring community.
Jalon
We show we care for our community by helping others. In our student council held a fundraiser to help the Tsunami victims that were hit by the Tsunami in Asia. We are taught to be responsible for ourselves, responsible for bringing in our homework on time. We show our care for the soldiers in Iraq. That is why Elk Rapids is a safe, respectful, caring community.
Maggie
K-I-N-D, kind is one of the greatest words in the English language. I have seen many acts of kindness in Elk Rapids. One act of kindness I noticed was on the highway there were two high school students picking up trash. That act of kindness was mostly toward our earth but if everyone acted the same way those two high school students did, the world and Elk Rapids would be a better place.
Jake
Here at Lakeland there are a lot of thoughtful and caring people…When I'm not on the weather team in the morning I see kids coming in that are sick and they treat them like they are their own kids. Another example is when they take care of everything on the phone. They’re very calm and know everything about everyone in Lakeland. That’s where I think respect and caring are shown a lot.
Spencer
I’ve seen caring all around. Caring is like a big bowl of affection…The big bowl of affection, keeps growing and growing.
Scott
I see respect as listening to someone’s opinion. You may not agree with them, but you should still respect their thoughts.
Carter
Elk Rapids is a caring community. We pick up all the litter on the side of the road; to help keep our community stay clean. When the Tsunami happened the school helped out by donating money for the victims. When someone gets hurt, people are always near to help you. That is why Elk Rapids is a caring community.
"In 7th grade everyone was really nice to me on my first day and I felt like I had been here forever."
Kendra
Practically everyone in Elk Rapids knows everyone else because of the size. If you see someone you know they ask you how you are doing and what’s new. They always wish you a great day. When I first came to this school in 7th grade everyone was really nice to me on my first day and I felt like I had been here forever.
Nick
Mr. McKeon is always willing to stay after school or during lunch to help a student that is having trouble playing their instrument. It makes me feel good knowing that I can get help whenever I need it.
Casey
Rules such as no weapons or drugs make me feel safe because I know know my life and everyone else’s are not in danger. When the hound dogs come and sniff for drugs, it makes me feel comfortable knowing that someone won’t come up to me and pop the question. All of these reasons make me feel safe going to Elk Rapids Schools!
Noah
Mill Creek is a place that cares about everyone. It’s a safe place. If someone is in a fight you could break the fight up. If you care about somebody you could help them if they get hurt. If somebody is doing something wrong you could stop them from doing it.
Savanah
When we are on the playground, we follow the rules so we don’t get hurt. When bullies are about, we tell the principal so we don’t get hurt. The school staff members create a really safe and caring environment. The teachers respect your opinion and listen to your ideas. Everyone is very respectful of their surroundings, including school supplies. Elk Rapids is a very respectful place. Elk Rapids also cares about the environment. Every year Elk Rapids has people volunteer to clean up trash along the roads. People are also very caring for others when they get hurt. Elk Rapids is a very great district. We are E.R. a safe, respectful, caring community.
Daniel
I remember when I was in first grade; I absolutely loved going out to recess and playing soccer. Until a new kid came to our school, he tormented me to no end; he would take the ball I was playing with and kick it away. I wanted to fight back, but I knew I would get into trouble. So the next day, I went to see the principal. The principal was concerned for my safety and well-being. Later that day, the principal came to my classroom and asked for me. When I arrived at the office, I saw the bully, he was looking very sad and he apologized when he saw me. I principal told me that I did the right thing when I choose not to fight the bully. The next time I saw the bully he said, “Hi, do you want to play soccer?” I thought about it for a while and I said, “Sure, why not?” and from then on the child who used to be a bully was my good friend. I will never forget how caring and respectful the principal was.
Nicole
Mill Creek is a caring school. Caring means to treat others the way you want to be treated. I know Mill Creek is caring. All of the kids play together, and are really nice to each other.
Stacey
When my little sister became very ill and it was questionable whether or not she would ever recover, the community and the school stood by my family’s side and helped out. People in the middle school office took my seven year old brother and me to dinner every night because my parents were in the hospital. They even had it delivered to our house. Friends and teachers helped me out with mental support and provided a shoulder to cry on. I relied on my friends to get me through and because of them I never felt alone. There was always something to be done. Mr. Hoover, our superintendent, visited my sister in the hospital every day and phoned her on the day he had a board meeting. This undying support was appreciated and much needed. I feel truly blessed to have been in such a caring community during my family’s time of need.
"My teachers are my friends, and the community of Elk Rapids is my family."
Jennifer
Just recently I participated in a pageant, something I never saw myself doing. The night went well, although I did not win the crown. The lessons I learned and relationships I formed are priceless. Over the weeks following the pageant I began receiving letters, notes, and phone calls from the members of my community. Each time I went to the Village Market, school event, or church people would stop and compliment me on my performance and creativity. I was truly amazed at the support my community showed me even after I had lost. But now as I sit here and think, I have realized that it is the nature of this community for people to be passionate about others. We look out for our neighbors, my teachers are my friends, and the community of Elk Rapids is my family.
Daniel
Elk Rapids kids in school are respectful to each other, even to people in a lower grade. In my school, there are 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. Most of the 7th and 8th graders are very nice to the 6th graders. Most of the 7th and 8th graders will say “hi” to you. There hasn’t been anyone bullied by the older kids. Elk Rapids kids are very caring to each other. The town’s people are very nice and Elk Rapids is a much safer place than downstate. Downstate, there are crimes going on almost every day! In Elk Rapids there are few crimes each year, and the people are caught and punished. Elk Rapids is a very safe place to live.
Jacob
I couldn’t think of being in another school as good as this one. That is saying a lot since I have been in four different school districts in the last three years and none of them were as great as the one I am in now. The teachers and staff are great; they help you out if you need assistance. They also take you on trips and sometimes they even take you outside to work, they make you follow the rules, but unlike other schools, they care about you and try their best to make you better at more things and let you have fun. That is why I think this school is so great!
Ross
If you are into sports we have great coaches who will help you get better and teach you the safe way to play. Here in Elk Rapids our teachers are the best. They will give you the respect you deserve. They treat everybody the same. Here we care about each other and we never put each other down.
Nina
Downstate, at my old school, I would hear a lot of rumors of what kids in big cities were doing. There were rumors about kids trying to bring weapons or anything bad into the school and hurt themselves or others. There were a lot of crimes. It did not happen at my old school, but the bigger schools sometimes had these problems. Here it hardly ever happens. In fact, it really doesn’t. In Elk Rapids there are a lot of activities that are safe for the community and us. Teachers keep the classrooms (and school) safe. We live in a very safe environment!
Mill Creek is a caring community by always welcoming new students to our school and doing things to help our troops in Iraq by donating food and stuff to help them and their families.
Courtney
A caring community means that we must respect the way that people act and look. We have to be friendly to people that have moved in. Nobody should get left out of our district. Our community is caring because we help each other.
Hayley
We are especially friendly all of the time! But the people who do the most caring are the staff. The staff always cares about you, even if you think that they are being mean. They are only trying to help you learn easier. We show respect when we help each other with work and in just about any other situation you could think of. When we introduce ourselves to visitors that will be starting at Mill Creek, we acquaint ourselves kindly and with a lot of respect. We always love making new friends and accepting everyone for who they are. These are only some of the reasons that Elk Rapids Schools could be the place for you.
Mitch
Another thing is youth group. They rake, clean, and do things for older people. It is just respect. Elk Rapids is one of the kindest, most responsible towns I know.
Tyler
At Mill Creek…We treat our teachers with respect. We treat the volunteers with respect. In Elk Rapids we treat everyone with respect.
Keygan
I think Mill Creek is a safe community because the big kids watch out for the little ones. The playground ladies make me feel safe too. They make me feel safe because I know that they are always watching me. I think Mill Creek is a safe school.
"I love my principal a lot. He is nice to all of us all of the time."
Scarlett
I love my school very, very much. My teacher is very nice to my class. Mrs. Patterson is nice to all of the people in our class all of the time. I love my principal a lot. He is nice to all of us all of the time.
Olivia
Some big kids watch out for little kids. Big kids help little kids get on the glider. We recycle to help make the earth a better place. People like big kids teach little kids how to do the monkey bars and the glider. We care for each other.
Forrest
If you come here you’ll always be safe. If somebody gets hurt on the playground, the recess teachers will take care of it. If a new kid comes we will always be kind. Respect, that’s the key word around here. When a teacher says, “Give me your attention,” we always do it. Mill Creek has Family Fun Night and other great activities for the community.
Rachel
Being polite includes saying yes, please, and no thank you. We show caring by including classmates in things. We don’t talk about people behind their backs. Listening to people is another way to show you care. Eye contact is very important. Respect is when you appreciate someone for who they are. People do not have to be the same. In Elk Rapids schools we respect people’s differences.
"Elk Rapids Schools’ are a wonderful place to go!"
Hannah
We are respectful, we don’t say mean or hurtful words, we don’t tease or call others names, and we turn in quality work…Showing respect is something we know to do naturally, when a visitor comes we’re always on our best behavior, actually, we’re always on our best behavior anyway. Elk Rapids Schools’ are a wonderful place to go!
Mary
Elk Rapids has always made me feel safe. The rules make me feel safe because if someone does something bad there are no excuses. The rules here are plain and simple so if someone does something bad I know there is nothing to be afraid of. There are many other things that make me feel protected such as the environment, and the students.
When a fellow classmate is having a hard time or needs help a student will always be there. For example; I had a bad case of pneumonia in second grade. Every single student sent me a card. This filled my heart with joy during this difficult time, and helped me get through it.
Brendon
…last year, my family lived in Costa Rica for eight months for my mom’s job. Everyone at the school was helpful in organizing my classes and transferring my credits so I wouldn’t have to retake my sophomore year, even though they didn’t have to. Getting help to do something so unconventional, yet valuable, really shows how caring the staff in our school is.
Jimmy
At Elk Rapids, we care for each other. Instead of letting students give up on their school work, teachers will help them out. Most people here go to the football and basketball games to cheer on their teams. We all care about our community a lot.
Anastasia
Mill Creek is a caring community. We try to make sure that no one gets hurt. We help people when they are sad. I help people when they need help picking up stuff when I didn’t even make the mess.
Megan
I see respect when kids go outside and clean up the litter. One day there were about four to five second graders with trash bags that went outside to clean up the trash on the play ground. The next morning the students got mentioned on the announcements. Those are some respectful things I see on the playground everyday