By Margaret Smith

news@salisburypost.com

A program at Hurley Elementary, called MOVE, is inspiring students who struggle with discipline issues to become better versions of themselves.

Principal Karen Anderson said that when she started working at Hurley this year teachers were “knocking down her door” about students who were acting out and struggling with schoolwork. Anderson said she chose 16 of those students to participate in MOVE. Out of the original group, 10 are now top students in their class.

The program meets once every two weeks, and students learn to control their anger, focus in the classroom and get tips on bringing their grades up. They also participate in fun activities, such as learning to tie ties. As the MOVE members are all boys, they also have “Man Up Monday,” where prominent men in the community come and speak.

Dylan, Louis and Athan, all fifth-graders at Hurley, had nothing but good things to say about the program. They described multiple times when their anger management skills came into good use — when they felt the urge to punch something, they interlocked their fingers above their head, and the urge passed. They particularly loved the football player who came to visit them, as well as the snacks provided during meetings.

Anderson said she worked with a similar program at her previous school — a high school in Guilford County. When she came to Hurley, she said, she saw some of the same issues. So she started MOVE.

“When I came here, it was just natural,” she said.

Anderson said MOVE involves a “contract” that includes a rewards system. The boys’ goal is to earn 50 “points” each quarter. They can get points by picking up around the school, practicing their anger management skills or wearing a tie on Tuesdays. Anderson also hopes to involve the boys in a leadership project — something lasting. And she hopes the program really takes off, even if she’s not there to run it.

“I want MOVE to live on,” she said.

The boys have grown tremendously, both academically and socially. Before MOVE, Anderson said, the students thought they had to be funny to be noticed. Now, she said, they’re learning that it’s ok to be funny and smart.

But the program has gotten some pushback. People asking why the MOVE seems to “glorify” the troublemakers, or why she calls them “men of excellence.”

“Well if you call them that, they will become that,” she said.

 

Margaret Smith is a West Rowan High School junior and Salisbury Post intern.