DISD’s POPS program fosters academic, personal success
According to Dr. Henry Scott, Denison ISD Superintendent, the district’s Power of Positive Students Program continues to play a major role in helping Denison students achieve increasingly high levels of academic and personal success.
“A unique passion for lifelong learning and personal excellence among students, teachers and staff on all our campuses has become a proud tradition in Denison schools, thanks in large part to our hugely successful POPS program,” said Scott. “It’s clearly evident at our high school, which has consistently earned spots on prestigious lists of the best high schools in the nation for more than a decade. In order for this to happen, successful learning and personal growth must occur at all grade levels, in every classroom. Positive students believe in their ability to accomplish great things by being stellar students and exceptional people. Thousands of Denison students have been empowered by our POPS program over the years, and we’re extremely proud of that.”
Characterized by positive attitudes, strong work ethics, pride in accomplishments and can-do attitudes, POPS is based on the premise that lifelong academic and personal success are deeply rooted in positive self-esteem. The goal of POPS at DISD is to encourage and help students believe in themselves and their abilities, to recognize and acknowledge their self-worth, to set high expectations and goals, and to work hard to achieve them.
POPS has been an active program on all Denison ISD campuses for more than two decades. POPS themes are chosen annually by a large committee of DISD staff and teachers with input from students, then implemented on campuses in ways that reflect their unique personalities. Last year’s theme was “We Are Denison!” This year, it’s “Greater Together!”
“Through our POPS program, we have learned that we really can make a difference in each other’s lives when we unleash the power of positivity,” said Lacie Giasson, POPS Coordinator at Mayes Elementary. “Each year, our POPS theme inspires us to lift each other up…to encourage each other to do and be our best, even during difficult times. When we believe in our students and lift them up, it empowers them to believe in themselves as well. I’ve witnessed a lot of amazing miracles at Denison ISD throughout my years here. I’m just a huge believer in this program and its ability to help all our students reach their full potential. It’s good for each of us…and all of us.”
Scott Middle School’s theatre department continues to grow and flourish under the enthusiastic direction of Kelsey Blanton, who encourages her students to believe in themselves and embrace their special talents.
Terrell teacher Sharon Ledbetter offers daily words of inspiration and praise to her young students, encouraging them to work hard, do their best, and always believe in themselves.
Mayes teacher Lacie Giasson helps build self-esteem among her students by letting them know that their ideas and thoughts are important. “Through our POPS program, we have learned that we really can make a difference in each other’s lives when we unleash the power of positivity,” said Giasson. “I’m a huge believer in this program and its ability to help all our students reach their full potential. It’s good for each of us…and all of us.”
Denison ISD students continue to excel academically and personally thanks to the thousands of students, staff and teachers, like B. McDaniel’s Gina Smith, who have embraced the district’s Power of Positive Students program. “A unique passion for lifelong learning and personal excellence has become a proud tradition on all our campuses, thanks in large part to our hugely successful POPS program,” said Dr. Henry Scott, DISD Superintendent.
All eyes are on Hyde Park teacher Wendy Jones as she inspires and motivates her students to believe in themselves and their unique abilities to achieve and succeed.
