About Hurricane Pride
About Hurricane Pride (student of the week)
Ever since my first year of teaching, I have given weekly awards to outstanding students. Every week, one student per class is chosen for the "Hurricane Pride" award.
How is a student chosen for this award? They come to class prepared and motivated to do their best. They may have brought their grade up from a B to an A, or from failing to passing. They may show improvement in their work ethic. They may be helpful to their peers. They may contribute to class discussion, respecting others' differences. They may show consistency and excellence in the classroom. They may exhibit a major positive change.
The current winners' names are posted for a week in my classroom as well on the Hurricane Pride page. Each winner receives a personalized mini-certificate as well as a prize of his or her own choosing from our prize box. The prizes include fancy pencils, key chains, memo pads, etc.
A list of previous winners is posted online. Students can see who has won from other classes from the start of the school year.
It is energizing to see students striving to win this award. They like getting a prize, but I don't think that is why they are happy to win. This weekly award is a very attainable goal, one which builds confidence and fosters pride. What could be better than that?