The Hall County School District is looking to turn the violent protests in Charlottesville, Va. over the weekend into a "teachable moment," approving $3,400 in funding so that each school in the district can incentivize "all that unites us."
Each school can use its $100 to provide an incentive to students who embody the theme — "We Celebrate All That Unites Us" — in a creative outlet, like art, essays, poetry, music or videography.
"I know there will be a lot of school districts that simply take the path of least resistance and say, 'I hope this goes away.' Or at the very least, 'I hope this doesn't come to our community'," said Will Schofield, Hall County Schools Superintendent.
"We see it as an opportunity, once again, to unleash our students, to talk about the issues that affect each and every one of us. And so often we've found that it's the youngsters that lead the way."
Each school's administration will decide who to dole out of the incentives, whether it be a $10 gas card for a high schooler, or a fast food coupon for an elementary schooler.
"Just to show them some appreciation of them taking the initiative in teaching us all that which is good and right and noble and true about this democracy that we live in," said Schofield.
School board members approved the initiative at their meeting Monday evening.
While no specific plans are in place, Schofield said there will likely be efforts made to get some of the pieces out in the public eye, whether it be posted on the county website or sent to the news media.
"We'll have some great products produced over the next month," said Schofield.
