MCHS students offered incentives for AYP results

Juniors passing all four graduation tests and scoring a 516 on the math portion — the minimum score allowed to meet AYP — will receive a reduction in some student costs and other rewards.

“I’m really a believer in positive reinforcement,” Stone told the board of education Tuesday night. “If our kids do what they’re supposed to do, we reward them.”

Stone calls this incentive program “the platinum card.” Those holding the platinum card gain free access to all MCHS athletic events, free student parking and discounted senior annuals.

Other spoils are an off-campus lunch day once a month (students are basically granted leave to go eat), exemption from summer reading and being first in line for lunch as seniors.

Stone takes over at a school that missed AYP last year in three areas on the initial report, and he spoke in detail at Tuesday night’s school board meeting regarding plans to better MCHS’s graduation test scores and graduation rate.

Stone said the school has adopted the motto, “whatever it takes.”

But Stone also believes intertwining reward programs will help MCHS meet those coveted federal improvement marks.

For instance, the Raider Club, another incentive-based program, rewards students who pass all classes during each grading period and demonstrate good behavior and attendance.

Those students meeting those criteria are eligible for prize drawings, which include a flat-screen television.

“They’re trying to win the TV, but they’re doing the things they’re supposed to in class, which is going to help us on our tests and graduation rate,” Stone said.