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 Daniel Grimes, principal of Echo Dene school, stands alongside two of his school's recent STARs of the week, Angie Duntra, left, and Ashley Diamond'C. - Derek Neary/NNSL photo |
Students are now being recognized for good behaviour. They earn STAR cards for things such as coming in quickly from recess, being polite and helping a teacher or another student.
"We dwell on the positive rather than the negative," principal Daniel Grimes said.
Each week the STAR cards are entered in a draw with prizes for one senior and one junior student. Examples of prizes include skateboards, 3-D puzzles, basketballs, soccer balls and play dough. Each STAR of the week is also awarded a medallion.
The STAR program
-- an acronym for safe, teamwork, accountable and responsible -- was introduced in November after staff members attended an effective behaviour supports conference in Vancouver.
"Basically we went to (the student body) and challenged them to help the school," said Grimes.
"We're trying to give ownership back to the students."
Ashley Diamond'C, a recent STAR of the week from Grade 5, said she gets lots of STAR cards. Some have come her way "for "doing good, listening, paying attention and walking in the hall ways," she said.
Grade 10 pupil Angie Duntra took home a makeup kit last week after her STAR card was pulled from the batch. She said she had earned the distinction by cheerfully saying hello in the morning.
The STAR initiative doesn't just recognize individual achievement. In-school challenges, revolving around co-operation and teamwork, are held every second or third week. Students of various grade levels are on one of seven teams -- each named after a constellation. The Grade 10 students are the team leaders.
One challenge required students to assemble messages from hidden pieces of bristol board. The older students delegated the younger ones to do the searching, teacher Charlene Grimes noted.
"They're trying to make sure everyone gets involved," she said. Daniel Grimes acknowledged that the STAR program hasn't made every student a model of exemplary behaviour, but it has made a huge difference.
"We've come a long way in a short time. I'm quite pleased," he said.
"The general attitude of the children has changed."
