For adults used to showing up on time, working in a team, providing good customer service, and communicating effectively, offering incentives to students for hard work and kindness may raise a few questions. But such “soft skills” have to be introduced, practiced and, in many cases, rewarded before they become a part of an individual’s character. Students at Gleason School are about to experience such lessons in a new and fun way that gives a nod to their lovable Bulldog mascot.
Lee Lawrence, principal of Gleason School, has announced implementation of DAWG PAWS rewards, an acronym helping to focus on P---Positive Attitudes, A---Acts of Kindness, W----Working Hard, and S---Showing Respect.
Teachers and staff members will have the discretion to give DAWG PAWS throughout the school and in classrooms. They will sign the back of the paper paw and indicate how the recognition was earned. Students will then place the paper in secure mailboxes that have been mounted in the school. Twice per month, the school will draw from the boxes to determine winners – three from PreK-5 and three from grades 6-12, for a total of 12 winners per month through the end of the semester.
“Examples of what would warrant receiving recognition are helping to set up for a program, giving great effort in the classroom, helping a fellow classmate, volunteering for a program, etc.,” said Lawrence. “The possibilities are endless.”
Local business offerings will supplement school funds to provide prizes to the selected students. Examples of incentives include free snacks at break, gift certificates to local restaurants, free rounds of golf at Rolling Hills Mini Golf, and cash prizes from sponsors.
“As a principal, I am always searching for ways that we can improve,” noted Lawrence. “We are excited for the opportunity to recognize our students who make excellent choices each day and go above and beyond to display outstanding character.”
PHOTO NOTE: Gleason School staff member Lindsay McDowell provided decorations on the DAWG PAWS mailboxes.