Bethel Elementary School recently received its Purple Heart School designation. The Purple Heart School program helps schools respond to the educational and social-emotional challenges active military children face during the many moves they go through when duty stations change.

One of the programs Bethel began to help these students and others is “Anchored 4 Life,” or “A4L,” a peer-to-peer club that connects youth and helps them build change and resiliency skills. The club provides opportunities for peers to enhance social skills, learn leadership skills, build character, improve self-esteem and integrate into their community.

The A4L team leaders give welcome tours to new students with a welcome bag. They also say the club’s Motivation Monday quotes on the announcements, have monthly meetings and come up with activities to get the rest of the school involved.

Bethel also sponsors “Bears with Bravery,” which is another student-led transition program.
...