Program Suggestions
Tips and Ideas from Kiwanis Clubs

Members of the Broad Ripple Kiwanis Club in Indianapolis, Indiana, honored Bring Up Grade recipients at the Joseph J. Bingham Elementary School (School 84).

Students who raised one grade while maintaining all other grades were recognized as BUG recipients. Kiwanis volunteers pinned each student with an “I love BUGs – Bringing Up Grades ” button, and offered congratulations for a job well done!

“The kids really appreciated the recognition, and reports from classroom teachers indicate that the students feel this program is very special,” says club member and BUG program coordinator Alison Stillwell.

Alison noted club members also believe the program was a success. “All our club volunteers really enjoyed it,” she says. “For this next BUG pizza party, I had no problem soliciting volunteers. In fact, I have probably a few more volunteers than are needed, but the more the merrier!”

The bulletin board in the main lobby at the school proudly displays the Bring Up Grades bulletin board décor. Photographs of BUG recipients will be added to the bulletin board within the next couple of weeks, thanks to a teacher liaison who also works as a media assistant at the school.

Students also received a special lunch treat for their outstanding efforts. Kiwanis volunteers served BUG recipients pizza and punch. The club solicited support from a local business and received pizza at a discount price from Circle City Pizza. They also received close to $100 in donations from other Broad Ripple area businesses wishing to support the Bring Up Grades program.

If your club is thinking about establishing a Bring Up Grades program at a school or community center but club members aren’t sure how to go about it, please take a few minutes to view the Bring Up Grades Program Guide. It offers helpful tips about approaching prospective business sponsors and organizing recognition celebrations.

If your club currently sponsors a Bring Up Grades program at a school or community center and you would like to share suggestions of ways to administer a recognition party, please submit information and digital photographs by e-mail.