Steckel School Principal Glenn Noack knows something about pep rallies, having played on a Whitehall High School state championship basketball team in the 1980s.

He returned to the high school gym recently for a rally for the second- and third-grade students as they kicked off the school's S.T.A.R.S.program, a year-round positive behavior program that recognizes and rewards students who meet behavioral expectations. The initials stand for Safe, Team-Player, Achiever, Respectful, Self-Disciplined.

Combining fun events with rocking music, Noack and the teachers made certain the purpose of the pep rally assembly was not lost on the children.

"The S.T.A.R.S. program is about your behavior every single day, Monday through Friday. You are to be more respectful every single day," Noack said.

The event was billed as a celebration intended to get the Steckel positive behavior support system into high gear.

With music in the background, the rally included a performance by the WHS Dance Team and routines by the cheerleading squad.

The football gear event, which was similar to a relay race, required students to put on an oversize football team jersey and helmet, race to another student and take it off. The next student had to do the same.

Stressing the events, although fun, were intended to demonstrate team play, teachers also took a turn in activities such as the scooter board races.