PDF
888.631.5994
Safety & Success
Articles
Student of the Month: Creating a Culture of Success
Almost universally, people seek validation and recognition for their efforts and accomplishments. That’s why many companies offer “Employee of the Month” programs and other incentive-based reward systems.
Just like adults, teenagers thrive on this type of positive recognition. As part of a broader culture of respect and appreciation, these types of programs can contribute to a culture of success at school as well as on the job.
At Stone Mountain School, a private all-boys boarding school for teens with ADHD, learning disabilities and related issues, teachers and staff are always seeking out new ways to highlight student achievements. In 2010 they created a Student of the Month program, which sets clear expectations of students and praises those who make positive contributions.
Rewarding a Job Well Done
How does the Student of the Month program at Stone Mountain School work?
- The teachers gather once a month and nominate deserving students based on criteria involving leadership, improvements in behavior, effort and kindness to others.
- The student body gathers in the lodge for a reward ceremony to applaud the selected student.
- The Student of the Month receives a special breakfast, off-campus lunch or other reward.
- Runners up learn of their candidacy and are encouraged to work toward next month’s reward.
One of the first recipients of the Student of the Month honor was a boy who began as an angry, out of control teen that could barely function in the classroom and transformed as a person and as a student. He started assisting other students and worked diligently to manage his emotions and stay on task at school.
“The Student of the Month program drives students to work toward something, not only for the external reward but also for the internal satisfaction of a job well done,” said Mike Reardon, a teacher at Stone Mountain boarding school for boys.
Positive Recognition Enhances Self-Esteem
In other environments, boys with ADHD and learning disabilities grow accustomed to hearing “no” and feeling like they’re taking away from the classroom experience rather than contributing to it. At Stone Mountain School, students take pride in being recognized in a positive ways, which builds self-confidence that overflows into other areas of their lives.
The Student of the Month program has been so positive that the staff is expanding it to include a team-based reward (honoring students who work together as a team to achieve their goals) and to allow students to vote on award recipients.
Stone Mountain School for boys also utilizes a token economy, which allows students to earn points every day based on respect, compliance and participation. Like a paycheck, students can then use those points to buy items from the campus store. All of these rewards for positive behavior contribute to a school-wide culture of appreciation and success.