Big Bear, Ca, February 8, 2012, 5:00pm – Changes are coming to Big Bear Middle School, and many are due in part to the Positive School Climate Committee that has been reinvigorated this year in large part to Dena Arbaugh, employee at the middle school. Arbaugh along with middle school teachers, administrators, parents, and concerned community members are making headway on some very important issues including healthier school lunches, empowering students, school spirit, and beautification of the school campus to include more shade for students. Due to the committees hopes to see healthier food on campus, a new fresh salad bar with healthy food options will appear at the middle school within the next month, with district hopes to spread the healthy food items to the elementary schools and high schools in the next few months. The committee has also come up with the idea of having different student groups come together and create artwork to hang in the halls of the campus to inspire the students, and to leave a legacy. Another important issue the committee is excited about is the recent purchase and installation of video surveillance cameras throughout the campus. The cameras and associated equipment was purchased due to a $20,000 donation from Soroptimists of Big Bear Valley, and their Stop Teen Violence program. The new camera’s are in place, and have already helped deter school violence, and has aided in solving disputes, and has kept the students accountable. Donors are being sought by the positive school climate committee to help provide shade for the students. For more information on how to donate call Dena Arbaugh at Big Bear Middle School at (909) 866-4634.
