DeKalb Middle School

At DeKalb Middle School, we believe in the power of encouragement and recognition. Third-party compliments are a special way for students and staff to lift each other up by sharing kind words, gratitude, and positive feedback.

Anyone can write a compliment for a peer, teacher, or staff member and drop it in the Big Red Box on the stage in the Commons. From there, these compliments are shared in meaningful ways—announced at Morning Meeting, hand-delivered to classrooms, or placed in mailboxes—so that every note of appreciation creates a moment of joy.

Third-party compliments help us live out our Portrait of a Baron competencies by promoting empathy, integrity, and collaboration, while building a culture of belonging where everyone feels seen, valued, and appreciated.