‘BUG’ invasion hits schools

The rewards of participating in Kiwanis’ BUG program are many—for students and sponsors alike.

Spring Hill Elementary students laud Kiwanis’ BUG program during the school’s first BUG awards program earlier this year.

“For the Kiwanis and faculty sponsor—who often are the same person—the rewards come from instilling a passion for lifelong learning and self improvement,” notes Lisa Pyron, BUG (Bring Up Grades) coordinator at the International Office. “The BUG program provides them the resources to help young students set academic goals and work to exceed them.”

For students, the rewards are similar.

“The BUG program is a wonderfully creative way to recognize those students who might normally receive little or no positive recognition during the school year,” notes Mariane Fisher of Greater Clark County Schools, Jeffersonville, Indiana, and member of the Clarksville Kiwanis club. “Because these students typically don’t make the honor rolls at their schools, their chances of being affirmed for academic achievement are very slim. Because of the Kiwanis Bug program, though, these students are given the chance to feel good about their accomplishments.”

The Clarksville club recently launched BUG programs at Spring Hill Elementary and River Valley Middle schools in Jeffersonville, where students receive other tangible benefits from participating.

Each student sets a goal of bringing up one grade each grading period, Dennis Kraft, River Valley teacher and Clarksville Kiwanian, explains. Then each grading period, students from every sixth-grade class at River Valley and from each fourth- and fifth-grade classroom at Spring Hill are recognized for raising one grade while maintaining grades in other subject areas. Students are encouraged to continue this process, and it is hoped they will increase grades in many subject areas by the end of the school year.

Students who succeed have their names placed on a BUG Honor Roll and receive a certificate during a ceremony conducted by the Clarksville club. Students also are eligible for other prizes such as pencils, buttons, and gift certificates, and a pizza party is planned for the end of the school year.

“I have seen students work very hard to raise their grades,” Jeff notes. “The students normally recognized are the students who would not receive recognition of any kind. You can see the pride in their eyes.”

BUG is one of three Kiwanis Kids programs geared for young students. The others include K-Kids and Terrific Kids. Lisa estimates that more than 300,000 students are recognized in the BUG program each school year.