On August 26, 2015, during its annual membership recruitment, Houston County High School’s FBLA Chapter kicked off its new school service project “OPERATION BEAR PRIDE.” During the school service project, the FBLA advisers sent out their “troops” to battle the graffiti, drawings, and doodles that every teacher dreads seeing on their desks. With the help of the HOCO custodial staff, who very kindly provided cleaning supplies, paper towels, and gloves, members were sent to teacher classrooms where they helped teachers clean their rooms.
Over twenty members showed up to help FBLA give back to our school. Teachers signed up by sending an email requesting service. Nearly every email had the word “awesome” in it, usually in all caps, and behind each email, a teacher in desperate need of help! In addition to cleaning desks, students emptied trash, cleaned science equipment in labs, shredded paper, and various other classroom tasks. Needless to say, the teachers who received services were beyond thrilled. They had more time to plan lessons, grade papers, organize, and tutor students.
“We did a school service project last year where we helped clean up the school, and I thought it would be absolutely wonderful if I could have my desks and tables cleaned each week. Then I thought about other teachers, and came up with the idea,” said Mrs. Jenny Jackson, FBLA adviser. “The positive response was overwhelming,” said Mrs. Sheila Jones, FBLA adviser. “We cleaned 40 classrooms in 45 minutes. Our members were glad to do it. They are also now very cognizant of their behavior and encourage others to help their teachers by keeping their classroom environments clean. It gives them a sense of service and protectiveness in their school, and has had positive benefits all around.”
Seen in the picture are (from the left) Morgan, Michelle, Priya, Sabina, Shauna, Jekerria, and FBLA Officer Briana.
