Project CommUNITY
When Reservoir High School opened its doors in 2002, students representing diverse socioeconomic groups arrived from six different middle and high schools. They were resistant to change, and tensions grew. In order to continue our character education initiative and help build a school community where students cared about each other, Project CommUNITY was created. Students from different grade levels, genders, races, ethnicities, religions, cultures, and cliques were invited to attend with several members of the staff and administration. Facilitators for the annual retreat design activities to promote a more supportive school community, build strong, positive relationships and help members of the school community intentionally build the 40 Developmental Assets, a research-based set of character traits, skills, experiences, and opportunities that youngsters need to grow into healthy, capable, and caring adults. Each retreat includes thirty to forty students, ten to twelve staff members and two to three community members including special speakers and sponsors. The retreat helps students find common ground, and the students return with the intent to work towards the common good of the entire school.  “These days have made me realize that one person can make a huge difference”, reports one attendee.