was trained in the 40 Developmental Assets,
and educated their peers and the community
about the value of assets. The DA Team
immediately resonated with the Asset message
and successfully accomplished their goals thru
commercials, theme days at school, youth
trainings and school campaigns. The team far
exceeded their expectations, and it became
clear that young people were hungry for the
message Developmental Assets had to deliver.
In the fall of 2011, with a second
year Developmental Asset Team in place, the
team focus targeted bullying, and the need
for acceptance. Out of their concerns came
the idea for a School Pride Day. To the DA
Team “School Pride” meant creating a school
atmosphere where all students were treated
with respect and acceptance.
On the morning of March 11, 2011,
after months of planning, School Pride Day
became a reality. The DA Team raised enough
money to purchase a t-shirt for everyone in
their school. The shirts read, “Everyone has
a story, get to know it”. The purpose of the
shirts was to stop the taunting students face
for the clothing they wear, for one day, School
Pride Day, having the “right” clothes did not
matter.
There was a powerful feeling of unity
as students, staff and volunteers fashioned
maroon and gold colored t-shirts at the
opening ceremony. The Developmental Asset
Team was filled with anxious excitement as
they saw several months of brainstorming
break-out sessions, lining up guest speakers,
raising money, and rehearsing skits, all came
to fruition.
School Pride Day focused on
recognizing the uniqueness of people,
breaking down social barriers including
judging and labeling others without knowing
their story and the harmful effect words can
have on people. Throughout the day students
commented how nice it was to have the
opportunity to discuss some of the issues that
concern them. School Pride Day at Caribou
Middle School was the epitome of what
Developmental Assets is all about, building
relationships and connecting!