Ralecia Vickers, Justin Fuller, Bryantomas Mcnitt, Chris Dixon and Kimberly Thomas were five of the students who received a Gothca Card in February.
March 17, 2016 -- Bright gold Gotcha Cards are showing up at Heights High as staff members use them to reward students who are 'caught doing something awesome' in one or more of four categories: Academics, Behavior, Character or Attendance.
Students redeem the cards for an after school snack and at the end of each month awardees are entered in a drawing for a T-shirt and a fun activity. Student names are also posted on the Announcements Monitors in the main hallway and cafeteria.
At the end of the year, all students who received a Gotcha Card will be entered in a drawing to receive a class ring, courtesy of Jostens.
Students are encouraged to bring the cards home to share the staff comments with their parents.
During the month of February, 116 Gotcha Cards were awarded. Examples of actions that were recognized include: Completing assignments before the due date, focusing and participating in class, helping another student when their Google Doc magically disappeared and improved attendance.
Administrative Principal Zoraba Ross wanted the school to focus more on acknowledging the positive things that students do every day.
He asked the Guidance Department to develop a program that would recognize positive student actions. Social Workers Kristin Dadas and Caryl Yoo and Guidance Technician Jacqueline Blockson stepped up to form the Gotcha Committee.
Freshman English teacher Megan Petraska views the cards as a way to encourage students to do the right thing. “My students like getting the cards and I think it is good to recognize students for their good performance.”
Teachers Sherice Thomas and Tim Scasny, in the Credit Recovery/Opportunity Lab enjoy using the cards to tell students that they are making progress and to reward productive behavior. “Everyone appreciates recognition,” said Mr. Scasny and Ms. Thomas.
Dr. Donna Feldman teaches College Composition and Senior English and has awarded many cards. “I have awarded Gotcha Cards to recognize academic growth, for being kind and for many other things!” she said. “I love that this program is school wide and that we can acknowledge the positive in our students.”
“This program is an initiative aimed at improving school culture and climate,” echoed the members of the Gotcha Committee. “And we are off to a great start!”
Principal Ross is pleased with the program and the cycle of appreciation that it creates.
“It is amazing how a simple thing like recognizing someone for their positive actions can lead to real change,” he said. “Our staff awards positive student behavior, the students take the positive comments home to their parents and then parents share their pride in the students’ accomplishments with their neighbors and friends.”
“This may be a small program, but we are know that by showing appreciation to our students and families and that we can grow student loyalty and respect.”
If community members or business would like to donate award items - gift cards, small electronic devices, discount coupons or other awards that students would appreciate, please contact Kristin Dadas, [email protected] or Caryl Yoo, [email protected].