Students at Hoover Middle School in Merced have an extra incentive for demonstrating positive behavior.  They can win prizes and recognition for setting a good example.

Every day, 10 “Principal’s 200 Club” cards are randomly distributed among teachers and administrators.  Those staff members have 24 hours to give their cards to seventh and eighth grade students who they see following Husky PACK behavior expectations.  PACK stands for prepared, accountable, compassionate, and knowledgeable. 

Students who receive those cards are invited to the office to pick out a gift, such as a fancy pencil or colorful notebook.  The students also draw numbers and write their names in corresponding squares on the Principal’s 200 Club chart.  Once ten squares in a row are filled with names, those students receive a larger mystery prize.  In the past, those prizes have included everything from a food truck party to a pumpkin patch trip.  After there are ten in a row, the chart will be wiped clean so more students have a chance to win.

To make sure parents know about their children’s exemplary behavior, Principal Julie Rivard and office staff members place personal calls to each recipient’s home and send postcards as well.  Ms. Rivard says it’s an uplifting experience for everyone involved, and it’s a nice way to reward students on a daily basis.  She adds, “It helps reinforce our behavior expectations with the kids and helps them make good choices every day.”

The Principal’s 200 Club was implemented last year and recognized approximately 400 students.  This year, nearly 50 young scholars have already been selected, and the program has expanded by allowing those students to “pay it forward” by giving P200 Club cards to deserving staff members as well.

This program is unique to Hoover, but all campuses in the Merced City School District have their own special ways of recognizing and supporting positive behavior.