UPstander Initiative

In Barnegat, we believe in helping students become the best versions of themselves and fostering a positive school climate.

That’s why, in the 2018–2019 school year, the Counseling Department launched the UPstander Initiative. Through this program, one altruistic student from each school is recognized monthly at our Board of Education meetings. These students are nominated by building administrators and counseling staff.

UPstander Qualifying Criteria:

Outstanding citizenship, indicated by:

• 1 or more acts of advocating for their fellow student(s); and/or

• 1 or more acts of kindness, and/or

• 1 or more acts of facilitating community/teamwork, and/or

• 1 or more acts of leading a group positively.

Traits indicated by an UPstander:

Compassion, trustworthiness, advocacy, integrity, positivity, benevolence, effort.

The UPstander Cycle

Acts of compassion lead to
A stronger sense of belonging, which leads to
Positive behaviors, which lead to
A more supportive school climate, which leads to
Recognition of student contributions, which inspires
More acts of compassion.