At the end of last year, House 2 assistant principal Ryan O’Connor wanted to think of a new way to recognize the kids who may not get recognized as much for their academic achievements or involvement in clubs. With that in mind, he came up with the idea of the “Lancer Letter.”
These “Lancer Letters” are similar to the varsity letters that a student would get when they hit varsity status for athletics. After they keep hitting varsity status, they get a pin for that sport and they can keep adding pins on to the letter. Similarly, O’Connor came up with the idea to make the same letters, but different colors, and make pins for high honors, honors, and clubs that students are involved in.
Unlike varsity letters, every student at Londonderry will get one. This is a great way to recognize the kids that aren’t recognized as often.
“I know that through athletics there is obviously the varsity letter and a pin at every time you hit varsity status,” O’Connor said. “Also, my kids love Disney World and the whole concept of collecting pins in Disney World, so that was I think some of the inspiration behind this.”
O’Connor feels that through this “reward system,” the staff can “easily motivate students” to work hard, try their best, and get involved in many different clubs, activities, sports, and academics.
“Everyone is coming from a different place and we all have our strengths and we all have our interests,” O’Connor said. “Not all of us are the academic elite or the athletic elite, but there’s a lot of people that still make really really good contributions.”
O’Connor recognizes that any kind of change “may be difficult,” but he thinks that any change takes also some time before it begins to feel like “a normal part of the school.”
This system is one that could work or not work, but O’Connor thinks that the “Lancer Letters” will make a positive impact.
“We know studies have shown that the more kids feel invested in school and in a school community, the better the community is going to be,” O’Connor said.
O’Connor wasn’t the only one who helped make these Lancer Letters possible.
“Ms. Goulet and Mrs. Bedard certainly helped a lot, ”O’Connor said.
These “Lancer Letters” have been getting positive and negative feedback, but O’Connor is certain that this change will be a “change for the better.” O’Connor wants kids who may be afraid to get involved to know that they have the opportunities to do so, and that you are the one that makes your experience good or bad.
“We have opportunities before us;” O’Connor said. “Teachers have opportunities to be the best they can be in the classroom and sometimes it’s difficult to put yourself out there and maybe join something but I do believe the opportunities are there and as with everything your experience is what you make it.”
