Discovery Program fosters student growth, positive culture

Upper Dauphin Area High School has experienced a reduction in behavior issues and an increase in students’ academic growth as a result of the school’s Discovery Program, launched in January. The aim of the new initiative is to encourage a more positive school culture and in turn, better student outcomes. According to an article in the Republican Herald, the program has five parts: academic enrichment or intervention, community service, discussion seminars on character, activity clubs, and team-building activities. Students in the high school have been divided into groups of 18-20 and engage in Discovery Program activities during a built-in flex period during the school day. In addition to other aspects of the program, students participated in community service projects such as an Easter basket delivery effort and presenting at the Elizabethville Founder’s Day community event. Incentives for positive behavior and collaboration include “Good News Postcards” that are sent home to parents and a schoolwide points system with the winner claiming the “Derby Cup.”