Save One Student

Looking at a classroom at Chattanooga Valley elementary, you can't tell anything is different than before.

But quietly, over the last several months, school leaders and teachers are spending some one on one time with certain students.

Jose Jimenez is a Counselor at the Flintstone, Georgia school. 

"They may be kids with discipline problems, they may be kids that have had some sort of trauma in their life. Just different reasons why a student might need just a pat on the back."

The pat on the back comes from the "Save One Student" program.

The principal heard about the program and thought it would be a good way to reach the kids.

The idea is pretty simple, according to Teacher Paulette Davis.

"It's to connect with a particular student, and give them a little bit more support, personal support, to show them that somebody is interested in them."

Some of the adults spend time with their students once to several times a week.

Others see their students everyday.

Gwen Smith is one of the teachers who has made a difference with a student, thanks to the "S.O.S." program.

"We shook hands and I said okay, I'm your friend. You don't kick me, or do mean things to me because we don't treat our friends that way, and that's kind of how our relationship got started."

School counselors say the program is paying off.

Students look forward to their interactions with the adults, and end up becoming more confident, notes Teacher Debbie McCarty.

"If I can promise him an ice cream if he's good for a couple of days, and if that helps him to be good, then he learns that goodness comes from inside."