Owensville Elementary School (OES) introduced a new reward system this year called the Windmill Winners. Matthew Goddard, the school's new assistant principal, created the reward system. He decided to create the program because he wanted kids who were making the right choice to get recognized for their actions. So far this year, the school has already given over 300 rewards to students.
Students become a Windmill Winner by getting a positive office referral.The students get a referral by being recognized by a staff member for doing the right thing without being told to. Actions like picking up trash or helping another student read can get the students a positive office referral.
Once the student gets the positive office referral they are brought to the office and get to make a positive phone call to anyone that they would like. After the phone call, the student receives their Windmill Winner Award and a picture for the Owensville Elementary School Facebook page. The award states their name, teacher, the date they received the award and the reason they were recognized. Printed on a bright orange slip, it is easy for other students to recognize and celebrate the Windmill Winners for their positive actions.
Every Monday, the winners' names are put in a drawing for a pizza party. There is one winner per grade each week, for each award they win their name is put into the drawing. If a student gets more than one award they get a higher chance of winning the pizza party.So if a student wins three awards, then their name is put into the drawing three times. With this being a possible event for students to win, it encourages them to do the right thing.
OES Principal Tricia Ridder said she has already seen a positive impact:
“The thing I have enjoyed the most is seeing kids with behavioral issues being proud of themselves for being recognized for good behavior.”
