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By: Nancy Glover The Rotary Club of Temple South is in its 4th year of sponsoring the Early Act First Knight (EAFK) program at Raye Allen Elementary. The program is a daily social/emotional learning program for elementary and middle school students that emphasizes the development of high moral character and social skills. To date, more than 1300 students have participated in the program with approximately 430 of those receiving awards for their accomplishments. Themed around the exciting world of gallant knights and chivalry from Arthurian literature, EAFK was created by Randall Parr and is designed to be sponsored by participating Rotary Clubs and their community partners. EAFK helps young students adopt excellent personal qualities that have proven to reduce disciplinary referrals and bullying (up to 75%), as well as reclaimed classroom teaching time (approx. 45 minutes per day). This translates to improved academic performance, more positive interpersonal relationships, a superb learning environment and an exemplary campus culture. “We are excited to enter into another EAFK year,” said Club President, Jinger Pajestka. “This program has had an amazing impact at Raye Allen Elementary. We hope to be able to launch the program at other campuses and highly encourage other clubs to follow suit. Investing in our students is always the right thing to do!” The EAFK program is completely free for the students and is open to anyone who would like to participate. For more information, visit our website at www.templesouthrotary.org.