Nicholls Middle School launches 'Soaring Beyond Expectations' button program to reward students

JY wat, principal of Nicholls Middle School, told the board the school launched a new incentive called the "Soaring Beyond Expectations" button program to recognize positive student behavior and achievement.

"I said this to many many many people that 97% of our kids in this school are doing really good things and are really good kids," JY wat said, describing the program's aim to spotlight those students. Under the program, students earn buttons for perfect attendance, placement on the honor roll, citizenship (no discipline incidents), and no tardies; teachers can also nominate students for weekly recognition. Collected buttons lead to larger rewards later in the year, including off-campus activities.

Students featured in a video and remarks said the program increased participation and made peers more likely to strive for positive behavior. The principal thanked the campus officer, identified in the transcript as Officer Catherine, for helping produce the video that documents the program's impact.

The program is being rolled out schoolwide and will be tracked through weekly teacher nominations and periodic celebrations during lunch periods. The board heard the presentation during its campus reports portion of the meeting.