Nothing magic about it

Local schools acknowledge that tendency, but are now trying to use peer pressure as a positive tool in accomplishing academic goals. The Renaissance programs at Bonita Middle and Three Oaks Middle, for example, have been effective at employing the leadership of fellow students to hype school achievement and good behavior.

"Kids this age are extremely influenced by their peers," said Carol Ross, Bonita Middle's Renaissance coordinator. "So if their peers are supporting them at school, there is a lot of power behind that."

Students are deemed a part of the Renaissance program if they earn good grades and do not have any disciplinary problems. Combined, Bonita and Three Oaks designated 750 middle schoolers as meeting first quarter requirements, treating them to rewards on Thursday. Bonita Middle surprised its Renaissance students with a magic show, while Three Oaks Middle showed the movie "Finding Nemo" and gave popcorn and T-shirts to students.

Renaissance is in its fourth year at Bonita Middle and second at Three Oaks Middle. Eighth-grader Shawn Gilligan, 14, says that after an initial pep rally this fall, he estimated about 90 percent of Bonita students want to be included in the elite group. For the remaining 10 percent, Gilligan believes he must show them how fun Renaissance can be and the positive effects of good grades.

"Normally it's just teachers doing this, but Renaissance is for the students," he said.

"You're like a role model to other students," added 12-year-old Luis Ospina. "We try to show them that getting good grades really does matter. If you don't try as hard, all of your friends will be leaving and do something else."

During the quarterly rewards, students in Renaissance participate in fun or social activities while those who didn't earn the designation are "stuck" back in their classroom.

"Once they get that T-shirt, they are a part of Renaissance and can wear it every Friday with jeans," said Connie Jones, Renaissance coordinator at Three Oaks Middle. "You can see the disappointment in those that don't make it, and they want to work harder."

Estero High also operates a large-scale Renaissance program, with students producing elaborate skits and other activities to drum up interest in academic achievement.

Eighth-grader Kylie Griffith, 13, said Renaissance is making a difference at Bonita Middle and within the local community. Melody Tisdale, 12, added that the program not only is providing an opportunity for students to help their entire school succeed, but also gives them a chance to plan fun activities that actually make an impression on younger students.

"You get to see their faces and hear their oohs and ahhs," she said.

Both middle schools rely on fund-raisers and public donations to fund their Renaissance programs.

Contact Staff Writer Dave Breitenstein at 213-6033 or debreitenstein@naplesnews.com