As the new semester begins, the school has implemented a new system of Royal Rewards to acknowledge students who abide by the behavioral expectations of being engaged, considerate and responsible.

“The Royal Reward System is one part of our PBIS program, which is short for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports,” the Dean of Students Alison Yedor said. “In an effort to provide positive reinforcement for students who are behaving in line with our expectations, we are providing them a reward when we catch them in the act of doing something good.”

The Royal Reward incentive is designed to motivate more students to go out of their way to assist other people and contribute positively to the school community. Students have picked up trash, helped other students with tasks and shown other exceptional qualities to earn a reward card.

“When a student receives one of the cards, a staff member puts their name on it and the student’s name, and then the student can save up for a prize or turn it into the student store for a [drawing],” Yedor said.

All teachers and staff have cards with them and can give them out to students who show admirable qualities. If students do more good deeds, the cards they get will eventually add up and lead to better prizes or a chance to win the drawing. With more cards collected, students can cash in the higher value items. Because of this, students are motivated to receive more cards and do more good things around the school.

“Students have been excited to see me wearing my keychain with all the rewards in it,” Yedor said. “Those who received them noted they had seen the video and were excited to get one.”

Rewarding students for their kindness and helpful actions is an effective way to promote positivity and selflessness. It fosters a sense of pride and fulfillment amongst the students and staff, boosting school spirit as well.

“Students will feel appreciated for doing the right thing,” Yedor said. “The goal is to inspire them to keep being great.”