By Pauline Phan The staff of IHS are introducing “Achievers, Respectful, Engaged” cards, or A.R.E cards to allow students to be rewarded for good behavior. Teachers and staff who witness such behavior may give out the cards.
Once a student receives a card, they can fill out their name and I.D. and enter it in a raffle for the chance to win a prize by placing it into the collection boxes in rooms D-05, N-02, C-05. The cards will be drawn at the Senior Stage on Fridays. “I have handed out several A.R.E. cards to my students. Most of them have been given when I see students being extra helpful or considerate to their fellow classmates, says Mrs.Trenholm, “I have also given an A.R.E card to a student who is usually quite talkative, but was really working hard and staying on task.” Students who qualify for the cards have to exhibit improvement in their behavior or make positive changes to the environment on campus. There are several ways to accomplish this, such as, picking up trash, helping out another student with educational needs, coming to school on time when usually tardy, showing positive behavior, participating in activities or clubs beneficial to the campus, and show commitment to learning. The purpose of the cards are for the staff to recognize positive behaviors to make up for negative behavior punishments, such as referrals. “It is our goal to give more positive recognition to our students for their behaviors and accomplishments, both great and small” the staff claims. However, it seems as though not very much consideration and enforcement toward these cards have been seen in all classes since their announcement thus far. An IHS teacher, Mrs. Fabricius, states, “it is, in my experience, something to get used to as i have not handed one card out yet but could have on occasions.” “I honestly haven’t even heard of it. None of my teachers have given out the cards”, says a freshman, Amy Nguyen. Furthermore, Mrs.Finney hopes the behavior of students are not purely influenced by the cards, “I have had students asking for a card, so I think some students are focused on receiving prizes. I hope students have positive behavior because it is the right thing to do, not to receive a prize.” Sagar Kanda, a 12th grade student, comments “It’s useless due to the fact that teachers give away cards for what we should be doing normally.” Moreover, a junior, David Nguyen says, “I think the idea is cool but I don’t know how well they’re gonna execute it.” Nonetheless, most teachers and some students believe that the cards will benefit the campus, “I think it's been a positive thing at other schools which is why we are trying it here” states Mr.Bermingham, who has been frequently giving out A.R.E cards. A high school senior, Emerson Valdez, says “I think it’s an amazing idea to encourage good student behavior.” “I think the cards are a good idea because I think teachers too often notice student behavior in a negative way and it is nice to have a tool for positive rewards”, says Mrs. Trenholm, “I plan to continue giving them out because I think it is a program that will take some time to gain momentum, but after that I think it could have a big impact.”
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