MEMPHIS, TN (MSCS) – Recently, students at LaRose Elementary School celebrated the culmination of a brand new strategy with delicious slices of pizza. Organized by Behavior Specialist Denise Davenport, the creator of the “30 Days of Peace” initiative, the pizza party was made possible thanks to a collaborative effort between “Slice Out Hunger” – an organization that assists underserved areas – and Aldo’s Pizza Pies in Downtown Memphis.

“When we all come together to meet the needs of our scholars there is always a great reward,” said Davenport. “This is never about the pizza or anything else that I do for the students; it is about instilling the values of responsibility, honesty, being respectful, compassion, perseverance, empathy, kindness, and integrity,” she added.

The  “30 Days of Peace” initiative, which kicked off in January, challenged students to embrace engagement, discipline, and responsibility. According to Davenport, the students were motivated to use positive words, maintain perfect attendance, avoid office referrals, wear their uniforms, demonstrate R.O.A.R. (Respect, Organize, Acceptance, and Responsibility), get good grades, keep a good conduct, and turn in homework and class assignments.

“This initiative not only celebrated academic achievements but also strengthened the sense of community within the school. It proved that with a little motivation and support remarkable things can happen,” stated Davenport, reaffirming at the same time her commitment to create more opportunities to “inspire and uplift” students in Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS).

Congratulations to Mrs. Davenport for leading our students to success. She is another example of how “GREATNESS GROWS HERE,” at MSCS.