“It’s about setting smart, attainable goals. We use group accountability, paired with belief in one another and peer motivation,” shared Lyndon Entz, counselor at Goddard Academy. “That’s what Delta Group is all about.”
Delta Group is a collective activity for groups of five to eight students, that meet once weekly, to focus on progress and positivity. Mr. Entz, along with Officer Ryan Lamar from the USD 265 Police Department, meet with these students every week to discuss prior goals, progress in their coursework, and what lies ahead for the students. “Nothing is hollow, everything has purpose,” Entz explained during discussion with one of his two Delta Groups.
While each group is unique, they share the same goals - academic advancement and positive growth. Individually students will share what they’ve accomplished in the past week, and their peers encourage them to continue to strive for progress. What makes this a truly special connection is that when each student sets a goal for the coming week, others are encouraged to stand with them and state their belief in one another. By doing this, they learn to grow together and hold each other accountable.
Delta Group has a rewards system, tying in positive reinforcement. Each week when the groups meet, students gain beads by attaining specific goals. If they are in attendance, they get a bead. If they’ve accomplished their goal from the week before, they get a bead. If the entire group is in attendance, everyone earns a bead. Staying ahead in the classroom can become easier over time when you have a group of people that believe in you, and to whom you’re held accountable. By building these bracelets over time, students earn respect for one another and themselves in a unique way - and those bracelets can translate to rewards such as a pizza party or special prize.
“By positively influencing these students, and empowering them with responsibility and accountability to one another, we continue to create a solid foundation and a positive sense of community for our students.”