Students need encouragement from as many sources as possible to be higher achievers. Just a word or two that lets students know that they can achieve and that someone believes in them is a very powerful force in their lives.

Right now, we are in the middle of MAP testing. I hear teachers offering encouraging words to students every day to reassure them of our confidence in their abilities. PASS testing is just around the corner. It is crucial for all of us to let students know that we believe in what they are capable of and that if they give their all the results will be something to be proud of.

Offering words of encouragement takes very little time. Go out of your way to be a positive force in the lives of those around you. Our students need all the encouraging words they can get as we move toward the end of this school year. Take the time and make a difference.