According to Merriam-Websters dictionary, respect is “a relation or reference to a particular thing or situation.” The entire student body is represents the Freedom Area School District wherever they go. It is important to show respect to those outside of the district, as well as those inside the district.

Whether the students are on a field trip, in the student section or in class with a substitute teacher, the public sees how the students act and can make assumptions of the entire school district based off of that.

Students should have respect in school for their peers and teachers. Students are not expected to agree with one another; however, it is important to respect the opinions of others. Students are encouraged to stand up for their opinions in a deferential way.

Students also need to be respectful when there are substitute teachers in their classes. A lot of the substitutes at Freedom work at other schools, as well. Students should make sure they are always well behaved when there are other people in the building. They should want to make a good impression and prove that Freedom can be a superior school so those substitutes or visitors will choose to return.

To a lot of people, it is fun to sit in the student section with their peers and cheer on their classmates together.

“I like being in the student sections because it’s like being on the team. It makes you feel good to be apart of something. It’s fun to make memories at games with your buds and cheer on your school,” junior Tanner Boyer expressed.

Although it is enjoyable for students to be a part of the student section, there are certain ways students should conduct themselves at the games.

Students should keep their focus on cheering on their own team, rather than tearing down the opposing team.

Every other year, Ms. Ruthanne Gudzan takes a group of students in Spanish Club to a Spanish-speaking country. This past April, the club went to Peru.

“When we travel, students are expected to be on their best behavior all day, every day. I give them a list of expectations – like being ready and on time for everything, being aware that we are guests in another place and customs and cultures are different and that they are representing the entire Freedom School District, so don’t do anything to embarrass themselves or our school,” Gudzan explained on how she prepares students to leave the country.

“I also always ask the principal or assistant principal to talk to the group about a week before we leave to remind them of the consequences of any misbehavior. They are on a school trip, so they still have to follow all school rules,” Gudzan said.

The way students behave impacts their education and the way other people judge the Freedom Area School District. They need to make sure their actions are positive to ensure that the image of Freedom is held to the high standards that students from previous years have set.