EMPOWERING KIDS TO PERSEVERE

Who loves and gets excited (in a good way) about BUG’s?…We do! But we’re not talking about insects here. BUG’s (Bring Up Grades) is a very successful program that focuses on the importance of education, goal setting and grades.

Elementary students are empowered to participate in their own academic success, which builds self-confidence, perseverance and character. The Kiwanis Breakfast Club of Seminole adopted the BUG’s program in 2012 and we Sponsor BUG’s at Anona, Bauder, Madeira Beach, Oakhurst, Orange Grove and Seminole elementary schools.

In 2023 we added a “hybrid” BUG’s program at Seminole Middle School (SMS) for 6th grade Students.  BUG’s is a national Kiwanis initiative designed to recognize students who raise their grades in at least one subject by one letter grade and maintain or continue the improvement from one grading period to the next.

Recognition includes being placed on the school’s BUG Honor Roll, presentation of certificates, buttons and pencils along with special treats only BUG recipients receive. The local McDonald’s and Seminole Dairy Queen have partnered with us to provide an additional treat for the “Super BUG” students.

In the 2023/2024 school year has been a challenging one with many of our local schools and families impacted by two destructive hurricanes. In spite of the upheaval, a total of 107 students met their BUG’s goal of improving at least one academic subject by one letter grade without letting any grades fall in their other subjects. In addition, there were 18 students who achieved “Super BUG” status!…..by improving at least two academic subjects by one letter grade without letting any grades fall in their other subjects. It’s important to note that many BUG’s students who brought up multiple grades also made the Honor Roll and/or Principle’s List at their schools.

Our club coordinates the BUG events with the school counselors and provides them with all the items for their celebrations. We then attend the awards assemblies at each school to recognize the successful accomplishments of these students and have a special gathering with them providing a tasty treat and beverage. We are very proud of all our BUG’s!

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS PROGRAM, PLEASE CONTACT KIWANIAN CHARLENE JASMIN AT (727) 434-3317