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 Everyone appreciates rewards for positive behavior
or achievement. You've heard the saying 'It takes a thousand 'atta
boys' and it also takes the right incentive. That's why there are so
many ways to reward people - gold stars, grades, awards, plaques,
medals...
Chester-East Lincoln School Administrator Laura Irwin introduced a
new incentive program with a different reward.
Celebrity Lunches for K - 4 students were
implemented at the start of the new year. She said, "We draw five to
six tickets and those students get to eat with the celebrity -
principal, teacher, police officer, mayor, etc."
During the week teachers observe students for good behaviors.
Teachers write a student's name and what they are being recognized
for on a ticket. The teacher praises the student for the behavior
and tells them that the ticket is being submitted for the weekly
drawing.
Mrs. Irwin said, "Our students can earn tickets for trying new
foods, making good choices, a random act of kindness, etc."
When Friday lunch comes around the chosen students go
to the library for their special lunch with a respected guest. The
library offers a much quieter setting than the typically noisy
cafeteria. It has subdued lighting, and the table is most often set
with nice china and decorated, maybe includes electric candle
lighting. It's been made nice for them and the kids know it. It is a
special affair and they live up to it. They are on the best
behaviors the whole time.
Friday's are pizza day. Stuffed Aria makes special whole-grain crust
pizza's for area schools on Fridays. The pizza with a healthier
twist looks delicious, students like it and guests usually eat lunch
along with them.
The students converse amiably with the guest and ask
questions, and it is a very mannerly fun event. As the other
students in the cafeteria finish lunch they file by the private
lunch where the table is situated by the large glass library doors.
There are many waves from both sides of the glass as the students
are recognized by their peers.
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Celebrities - Logan
County Cehife Deputy Clerk Theresa Moore (left) and Logan County
Clerk and Recorder Sally Turner
Celebrity guest -
Lincoln Mayor Seth Goodman
Celebrity guest -
Lincoln Fire Department Assistant Chief Ben Roland
In the last few weeks guests have included Mayor Seth
Goodman, Logan County Clerk and Recorder Sally Turner and Chief
Deputy County Clerk Theresa Moore; and city of Lincoln Fire
Department Assistant Chief Ben Roland.
Assistant Fire Chief Roland told the students he grew up going to
C-EL, and where they were sitting was his third grade classroom, the
library was across the hall back then.
Mrs. Irwin said that the teachers also have enjoyed the program, "It
has been a huge success."
She adds, "It's been a lot of fun!"
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