Cass Middle's P.O.O.L. Club Creates Positive Outlook On Life

By Sharon Roper

Cass Middle School students work to create an individual "Positive Outlook On Life" through the P.O.O.L. Club on campus. 

“The club is a place where everybody is somebody and every voice is heard. We focus on turning negative into positive,” said Rasha Williams, director. “Students need to believe in themselves." 

P.O.O.L. began 12 years ago and averages 100 students each year. 

“P.O.O.L. has made a positive impact on the climate at Cass Middle School," said Principal Kristy Arnold. "It’s about doing the right thing for oneself and others to strengthen the overall community in which we live. 

"Ms. Williams cares about our students and helps them to understand that the choices we make determine our outcomes. She works with individuals to set life goals and make positive choices in order to reach those goals.”

Throughout the year, per grade level, students address a variety of topics—from reaching their goals,  profanity, disrespect, self-esteem, racism, drug and alcohol, and teen pregnancy. 

“I have been in P.O.O.L. since sixth grade," said eighth-grader Damia Simpson. "Ms. Williams has changed my life by what she has taught. I get As and Bs now and I stay out of trouble."

The club's motto is “We promote love and respect.” If you love and respect yourself, you can love and respect others. 

“I came back to the club this year because the topics are relatable," said eighth-grader Sydney May. "The community doesn’t address the cause and effect on behavior as deep as the club does.”  

Another eighth-grader, Justin Atkinson, was a member of P.O.O.L. when he was in sixth grade, but last year didn’t attend Cass Middle. This year he couldn’t wait to join the club again. 

“Today we learned how to deal with rumors and how to process gossip inside your head,” said Atkinson. 

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