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Atkinson Elementary principal describes peer-recognition program after early success
Summary
Atkinson Elementary Principal Chris Ward told the board about a peer-recognition program that awarded about 215 students a first'month movie reward and will hold an ice-cream party next; staff plan a survey to measure effectiveness.
Chris Ward, principal at Atkinson Elementary, presented a student-led peer-recognition initiative the school launched to encourage kindness and student support.
Ward said the program sets challenge expectations (no office referrals or more than two unexcused absences, not failing any class, and demonstrating encouraging behavior) and that teachers can add building-level criteria. Early implementation produced a movie reward that about 215 students earned; the next monthly award is an ice-cream party planned for April 7.
He described classroom examples: a first-grade student who had previously struggled because of a language barrier was cheered by peers after answering a question correctly, and staff have highlighted students on cafeteria screens and with prize-box awards to reinforce the behavior. Ward said the district plans a student survey in approximately three weeks to collect feedback and evaluate effectiveness.
Board members praised the creativity and suggested involving high-school student athletes as role models for older elementary students. Ward said a peer-mediation process on the playground complements the program by having students use structured questions to resolve conflicts.
The presentation was informational; no formal action was taken.
