During one of the first few weeks into second semester, a new initiative relating to York’s “We Are D.U.K.E.S.” motto was introduced. Admin are calling it the “Spotting Dukes” initiative, “spotting” being a nod to the monocle of our school mascot, which aims to recognize students for following the characteristics Dukes stand for, dependable, unified, kind, engaged and strong, with each two weeks taking on the next characteristic.
In Tim Dykes’ role as Assistant Principal for Culture and Climate, he spent most of last year gathering information about the current state of York's culture, both short-term and long-term, looking to improve it. The specifics for this idea have been in the works since this past summer, with the finishing touches going into place right before winter break.
“The ‘We Are D.U.K.E.S.’ campaign is aimed at more celebrations of student success,” Dykes said. “We thought the start of the second semester would be a great time to remind the York community about what we stand for and wanted to find a way to highlight those members of the community who are exemplifying those behaviors.”
There are expectations behind each characteristic, relating to being polite, respectful, and following the rules. Initiatives similar to this are commonly seen in elementary and middle schools, where there are rewards for modeling good behavior, but with implementing “Spotting Dukes,” the hope is that it can prove to be constructive in this setting as well.
“The overall goal is to continue to highlight the good around us,” Dykes. “The world needs more positivity and we can help make that happen with an initiative like this at a high school.”
Social studies teacher Lindsey DiTomasso has been looking for students that exemplify “D.U.K.E.S” and since this initiative has started she has awarded many. During a Mock Trial in a class, she noticed plenty of students who she thinks deserve the recognition.
“We want to celebrate and embrace students who take risks in class,” DiTomasso said. “I think that is just somebody who really goes out of their comfort zone and goes above and beyond.”
Awarding “Duke of the Week,” where one student from each grade and staff member is named “Duke of the Week” and gets a t-shirt, is a fun Friday tradition, but adding "Deserving Dukes” on Fridays during the second period allows for more students to get a shout out, along with a York peppermint patty.
“I think about how big our school is and how everyone can’t be student of the week, so this is another way to recognize and celebrate our students,” DiTomasso said.
When students are rewarded for spreading positivity, they will be more likely to continue it. This could make the school environment more uplifting as individuals follow the expectations in being a Duke. Roselyn DeCristofaro was nominated as a “Deserving Duke” by DiTomasso during the two weeks of “dependable” and thinks this is a positive addition to school.
“I think if teachers are looking out for kindness, students will definitely be more motivated to treat others with kindness and be more aware of how what they say has an effect on people,” DeCristofaro said.
Adding on to the initial reward of being nominated, Dykes requested that local businesses such as BrewPoint Coffee, Elijah's, Southtown Hot Dogs and Chick-Fil-A donate $5 gift cards or offer special deals to the nominees and they were more than willing to help out. Rewards like this could motivate students to demonstrate being “dependable,” for example.
“It's very cool when local businesses are interested in teaming with the school community to promote positivity,” Dykes said.
This positivity is being carried forward by the students that are taking the initiative seriously.
“It’s good for students to know that your words can help other people,” DeCristofaro said. “You can positively impact somebody and could make their day. I think it’s always good to be looking out for opportunities to be kind.”
Now moving into “engaged,” the same goal applies, which is to increase positive behavior all over campus.
“We want to shine more light on the good things that are happening around us,” Dykes said. “While we understand that every large organization, including ours, has room for improvement, that doesn't mean there aren't also things that need to be celebrated.”
Students will continue to be highlighted through “strong,” concluding on April 18.
“I really think there’s a movement to build a better sense of community and kindness around here, we need it,” DiTomasso said.
