Positive behavior is paying off for students at Pajarito Elementary School. They are now receiving books as rewards.
Students recently gathered for an exciting project reveal. The new initiative encourages a love of reading while celebrating good conduct.
The school unveiled its new book vending machine. It serves as a creative way to reward students who demonstrate the SOAR values: Safety, Ownership, Achievement and Respect.
The Student Success Team and staff created the initiative to promote literacy in a fun way. At the same time, the program recognizes students who help build a positive school culture.
How the Initiative Works
Teachers and staff award SOAR tickets to students who demonstrate these values around campus throughout the week, APS News reports.
Each ticket includes the student’s name, grade and teacher, plus a note describing the positive action that earned the recognition. Students then put their tickets in a raffle box in the cafeteria during lunch.
The school holds a drawing every Friday during announcements. The principal gives winners a special token, letting them choose a book from the vending machine.
On March 6, the school celebrated the official launch of the program. Student assembly leaders in grades 3-5 helped with the reveal, while families joined staff and students to mark the moment together.
The Essence of the Program
School leaders say the program aims to excite students about reading while reinforcing the behaviors helping the Pajarito community thrive. Each week, students can earn recognition as the raffle box resets every Monday, giving everyone a chance to participate.
With books as the reward, the students learn that positive choices and a love of reading go together.