'Bizarro Discipline' Brings Out The Best In Central HS Students

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — October was National Bullying Month. During those 31 days, Patch took a look at how school districts across Illinois handle and report bullying, and the impact it has on students. Among those districts included school officials and area parents from Crystal Lake, specifically District 155. However, a parent whose son attends Crystal Lake Central High School reached out to Patch and shared some positive news on this typically difficult topic, regarding an initiative aimed at bringing out the awesome qualities in its students.

Bryan Younge was recently informed by staff the high school of award being given to his son, Evan. According to Younge, Evan was one of a select number of students recognized for his teamwork and kindness at the high school, as part of the school's Tiger Pride initiative.

According to the district, Tiger Pride is a reinforcement of positive behaviors, and includes an award program called Bizzaro Discipline. The award program was created as a student/teacher referral system striving to bring out the better qualities in the school's students, according to the district. Each letter spelling out the words "Tiger Pride" stand for a positive trait demonstrated by students.

• T (Teamwork); I (Integrity); G (Greatness); E (Empathy); R (Respect); P (Perseverance); R (Relationships); I (Innovative); D (Determined); E (Engaged)

Evan was referred for a Bizarro Discipline award by his English 101 teacher, Shannon Levitt. According to Levitt, Evan has been "so kind and helpful to another student in my class who struggles to make relationships."

More: McHenry Co. Schools With Best Teachers for 2020: Report

Younge was told his son was observed helping a student study and helping that same student become more socially involved in the classroom setting.

"Evan has a knack for befriending kids that have been targeted by teasing or bullying and seems to have an internal mission to make kindness 'cool,'" Younge told Patch.

In her referral shared with Patch, Levitt wrote that Evan is always helpful, respectful, kind and patient towards her, that she's proud of him for his character, and encourages him to keep being "the kind young man" that he is.

According to Younge, Crystal Lake Central Dean of Students Elizabeth Lamb is in charge of heading out these awards.

The Crystal Lake Central Dean's office has an Instagram account where they post pictures of the students and staff members who receive the award.

The high school was recently ranked 2nd by Niche, which rates everything in education, on its list of what it considers the schools with the best teachers in McHenry County.

View this post on Instagram

Evan has been so kind and helpful to another student in my class who struggles to make relationships. He is always helpful, respectful, kind and patient towards her and I am so proud of him for his character. Keep being the kind young man that you are, Evan! #TigerPride #BizarroDiscipline #weRclc #D155inspire
A post shared by Crystal Lake Central Deans (@clc_deans) on Oct 23, 2019 at 11:17am PDT

Way to go, Evan!

The Menace Of Bullies: Patch Advocacy Reporting Project

As part of Patch's national reporting project, we've been looking at society's roles and responsibilities in bullying and a child's unthinkable decision to end their own life in hopes we might offer solutions that save lives.

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