A Polk County principal and assistant principal are being recognized for their efforts to make sure students have belts when they attend school.
- Principal, assistant nominated for LifeChanger of the Year Award
- If student doesn't have belt for uniform, they're loaned one for day
Snively Elementary School principal Diane Rosebrough was nominated for the National Life Group's 2016-17 LifeChanger of the Year award. As a part of the award, she and her assistant principal, Elizabeth Munoz, received a $500 grant to support the school's belt program.
Everyday, the principals greet students as they get off of the bus, and make sure they are wearing the complete school uniform, including their belts. If they notice a student isn't wearing one, they loan them one for the school day.
"We help all of our students meet their needs. And we set goals for students. And we want them, as part of their goal, to be dressed for success," Rosebrough said.
Rosebrough estimates around 25 percent of the students came to school last year without wearing a belt. That's what inspired her and Munoz to start the program, hoping the belts would instill a sense of pride in students' outer appearance and inner pride.
Rosebrough said in some cases, the children have trouble keeping up with their belts. In other cases, it's a piece of the uniform some parents simply can't afford.
"This a Title 1 school. One hundred percent of our students are on free and reduced lunch," Rosebrough said. "Belts are expensive. And we do try to help the parents with the uniform."
Rosebrough and Munoz will use the $500 to buy more adjustable belts that can fit children of all sizes. The students will have to return the belts at the end of the school day.