SOM Recognition

Developing a positive culture within our school building is strategic to preparing our students for developing into good citizens who become contributing members of a solid global society. Many tasks that seem minimal, e.g. thank you, excuse me, etc., are powerful building blocks for character development, leadership capability, honesty, integrity and other commendable traits that define who we are and predict our future accomplishments and actions. Therefore, our GCHS staff is amazingly proud of our students and their endeavors to perform meaningful tasks and develop creditable social behaviors.  A student led program, students recognized for leadership organize the program, coordinate refreshments, and invite the principal to moderate the celebration.

Our GCHS academic departments are divided into five main categories: Core Curriculum, CTAE, Fine Arts, and Outliers. Each department chair shares the responsibility for their department in selecting their students of the month (SOM). A total of twenty-two (22) students are selected with two (2) for leadership.

Our GCHS parent liaison accepts the responsibility for calling parents and guardians of the SOM nominees. In addition to receiving a phone call informing the student and their families of the opportunity for student recognition in the category of their accomplishments, each SOM receives an individual invitation.

The SOM program allows the family and the student to hear congratulatory remarks from their teacher and receive an individual certificate signed by their nominating teacher and the principal.  Students also receive copies of the principal’s remarks made by the teacher for the student. Afterwards, the two (2) leadership students host a reception for the SOM and their family.

Guiding indicators for SOM nomination include but are not limited to the following: increased academic achievement, exceeding expectations, improved social skills, punctuality in task completion and attendance, peer support, teamwork, mentoring, role modeling, accepting responsibility, and random acts of kindness.