The PART initiative expanded this year with the introduction of monthly “Do Your Part” Spartan Times.

Last month, this designated time was devoted to activities designed to show the importance of being prepared, accountable, respectful and truthful.

Another lesson, on bullying and cheating, was featured this week.

The centerpiece of PART is the weekly Spartan Card drawing, designed to recognize students for taking responsibility.

Every Friday, the PART Committee draws one card per grade level. Winners receive prizes ranging from gift cards to Spartan spirit wear and even football game, Homecoming and Prom tickets.

“Spartan Cards and the Do Your Part program help morale. It also helps keep all the teachers on the same page as far as promoting good behavior,” said English teacher Jamie Sullivan.

The first special Spartan Time began with a video from last year demonstrating various ways students can do their part,, and was set to the classic “Turn Back Time,” by Cher.

Overall, the video had a cheesy quality, which prevented students in an all-senior class from taking its message seriously.

“I think it was a good waste of time; my whole class was like, ‘are you kidding me’?” said senior Eric Phung.

After the video, students completed a worksheet on how George Washington did his “part” for America.

“George Washington will have no impact on how we behave; why not do a modern day person?” said senior Moira Lennon.

The PART campaign was started with a $3,000 grant from FCPS as part of a three- part plan to improve the school culture.

Sullivan sees advantages in the program, especially as it becomes more a part of school life.

“The goal is to promote positive behavior in students and it’s a great way to remind them to be helpful; that’s never a bad thing.”