On a sunny first-day-of-school in Springs, the students met their principal, Erik Kelt, who shared a new idea. He encouraged each of the teachers to choose a college, a military branch, or a career to represent their classrooms.
The idea is to nurture a “growth mind-set” throughout the school, where students are reminded that they can improve their studies and skills by being dedicated and working hard.
“The idea is to set high expectations and a positive tone,” Mr. Kelt said. “It’s important for students to think about their future goals.”
For example, Laura Dunham chose the Culinary Institute of America for her fifth grade class. On most Fridays, the students prepare food. Recently, they made watermelon agua frescas, which is fruit juice blended with water. These drinks have less sugar than regular juice and are less filling.
“They chopped, blended, and got to taste,” said Ms. Dunham. “We chose this recipe because we felt it worked well with Hispanic Heritage Month.”
— Britney Pesantez, Grade 6, Abigail Amay, Grade 6,
and Siena Dion, Grade 6
How the Fourth Grade Economy Works
Meghan Lydon’s fourth grade class at the Springs School has its own economic system.
Students earn digital points for completing several jobs, such as writing important dates on the calendar, cleaning up after lunchtime, and helping distribute pizza on Pizza Friday. If they complete their job, they receive five “Dojo points.”
Dojo is an online application that helps raise morale and keeps kids feeling positive about their work. When they have enough points, students can cash them to get a prize such as a little toy, candy, et cetera.
Additionally, the students have a pass menu, which tells them how many points they need to earn a certain type of pass. Examples include a homework pass, wear-pajamas-to-school pass, and permission to go to another classroom during lunch.
If students do not accomplish their jobs, they are “let go” and must wait until the next month to re-apply for a job. “It helps the students to be independent, and this prepares them for the real world,” Ms. Lydon said. “It teaches them the responsibility of having a job and the consequences that occur when a job is not completed.”
— Gabriela Alvarado, Grade 8, and Coral Borsack, Grade 6