Across Modesto City Schools, students are stepping up in meaningful ways, showing kindness, taking responsibility, and helping shape the culture of their campuses. Those efforts are part of Be The Change, a districtwide initiative designed to support safe, welcoming school environments where students feel valued and connected.
Be The Change is closely aligned with Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and centers on shared character traits many of us already reinforce every day, including civility, compassion, courage, honesty, initiative, perseverance, respect, and responsibility. Rather than being a one-size-fits-all program, Be The Change gives schools the flexibility to focus on what their students need most.
“We talk a lot about school climate, but it really comes down to relationships,” said Will Patterson, Student Engagement and Outreach Specialist. “Be The Change creates space for students to lead with kindness, speak up, and look out for each other, and for adults to support that in meaningful ways.”
Students Leading the Work
A key strength of Be The Change is student voice. The initiative empowers students to help shape their own learning environments and take an active role in building positive, inclusive school cultures.
That work is already happening across the district in a variety of ways:
La Loma Junior High is leading a student-created video series promoting healthy choices and peer support.
Modesto High and Mark Twain hosted Be The Change Weeks centered on kindness and school pride.
Downey High School students created Viral, a student performance exploring the impact of words and actions.
Johansen High School launched a video series highlighting what Be The Change looks like on their campus.
Beard Elementary focused on sportsmanship and positive behavior during school activities.
Each school’s approach looks different, but the goal is the same, helping students feel seen, supported, and confident in making positive choices.
Support for School and Staff
Be The Change provides meaningful support to help campuses turn student ideas into action. Schools can access PBIS funding, host events such as Be The Change lunches, use ready-to-share videos and promotional materials, and recognize students and staff who model positive behavior.
Many campuses have also embraced “bucket filling” and similar efforts that highlight everyday acts of kindness, encouragement, and respect, reinforcing that even small moments can have a big impact.
Looking Ahead
Be The Change continues to grow, with upcoming student-led videos focused on topics such as digital citizenship, respect, personal responsibility, and creating welcoming campus spaces. A Be The Change art and writing competition is also planned for next month, giving students additional opportunities to share what positive change means to them.
Thank You for Being Part of Be The Change
Families, staff, and community partners all play an important role in supporting students as they learn, grow, and lead. Thank you for being part of Be The Change and for helping create school communities where every student feels welcomed, supported, and encouraged to thrive.