“Its an opportunity for me to get to know students better and spend time with them in a non-academic setting,” said Mrs. Jones. “It is important for the students to know I appreciate them and notice that they are making awesome choices.”
The first group of JFK Way award recipients included 32 outstanding students. One student in Mrs. Washington’s class confided, “I just got to have breakfast with the principal, and it was so cool!” Teachers at JFK are excited to see students being recognized for good behavior.
“So often students who follow directions are overlooked, while those who make poor choices receive all the attention. Positive attention is so much more powerful. It influences the students around them to try and achieve the same status,” shared another staff member.
Once a month, each homeroom teacher nominates students who they feel represent “The JFK Way.” These students are recognized first at an awards assembly, and then invited to join Principal Jones for breakfast one morning before school. According to program guidelines, a student receiving “The JFK Way” award exemplifies the following at all times:
- A good citizen in the classrooms, on the playground, in the lunchroom, and when representing JFK in the community, or on campus
- Always shows integrity
- A hard-working and diligent student
TISD is proud of JFK for encouraging good character and excellence in all areas in such a creative way.