Harding Middle students demonstrate 'E + R = O'; two educators honored

The Lakewood City Board of Education heard student presentations from Harding Middle School on Dec. 1 and recognized two staff members for exemplary service.

Principal Chip Plush introduced student Katerra Niazzi as Harding’s 'Resilient Ranger,' and students from the school explained the E + R = O framework the building is teaching as part of the district’s Lakewood Ranger competencies. Parker Collison told the board the framework teaches that people can choose 'above the line' disciplined, intentional responses rather than 'below the line' impulsive reactions. "Every single day, we face events that we cannot control, but we can always control one thing, our response," Parker said.

Vivian Baker described six 'R‑factor' disciplines—press pause, get your mind right, step up, adjust and adapt, make a difference and build skills—and gave a personal example of applying the practice to improve test performance. Elise, an eighth‑grade student, tied the competencies to collaboration, critical thinking and empathy and compared them to 'superpowers' students can develop.

In a separate staff spotlight, Dr. Palumbo introduced Terry Knapp, a longtime Harding health teacher who was praised for creating a "no judgment zone" classroom, and Sean O'Connor, a paraprofessional and Lakewood High swim coach recognized for his teamwork and support across buildings. Both received certificates and small gifts in recognition of their work.

Board members and staff praised the students’ presentations and the district’s emphasis on social‑emotional learning and competency development; the board posed no objections and thanked participants for attending the meeting.