“I was really excited for the addition of the P.E.T.A.L program at Barton in order to build upon and sustain leadership skills for our fifth and sixth grade African American and Hispanic students. Five of my students enthusiastically joined the program and I have seen an enormous amount of growth in their leadership skills over the time they have spent with Mrs. Dettman. They not only were able to gain leadership and skills they can carry with them in the real world, but most importantly were able to learn how to appropriately voice their opinion on school issues and how to make Barton a positive learning environment. One student in particular discussed in depth with Mrs. Dettman the bullying she has encountered and together they collaborated on different ways to tackle this school wide concern. Mrs. Dettman has been a positive mentor to both the fifth and sixth grade students and the program is something they look forward to each week. They developed a great amount of trust with her and I believe Niki is an asset to the Barton family. I am hoping this program continues and believe it will have continued success and influence on making a change for our African American and Hispanic students.”
Brittany Johnson, 5th grade teacher
Barton Elementary School
desertsonggroup.com 