Store to reward good students at T.J. Harris Upper Elementary in Meridian
Published 6:10 pm Wednesday, August 22, 2018
- Photo by Paula Merritt / The Meridian StarSelena Fluker, left, and Kaliyah Nix, students at T. J. Harris Upper Elementary react to toys they can purchase from the school's store with points earned.
Students at T.J. Harris Upper Elementary School in Meridian will soon have a place to go shopping without leaving the building.
In few weeks, the store will open, but before that can happen, the school needs to fill it with supplies and other goodies, which students will be able to purchase with tokens earned for good behavior. The only things in the store so far are some tables and clothing racks, donated by the local Belk department store.
Crystal Nix, a behavior counselor at the school, said the store is part of a positive behavior support program, which rewards students for appropriate behavior or good grades. She said students can earn points by following the rules, being team players, and having good attendance.
One benefit of the store is that it will help kids learn to work hard for something, and improve their money management skills as well, according to Jeffrey Blackmon, the school’s principal.
Nix said shopping at the store could improve a child’s self-esteem. The simple act of buying a hair bow could boost a young girl’s confidence, she noted.
“You earned it, making you feel good,”said Nix.
People can donate items to the store by calling the school at 601-484-4464 and asking for Principal Jeffrey Blackmon or Crystal Nix. The school is looking for toys, cell phone cases, tablets, diaries, headphones, gaming consoles, watches, gift cards and school supplies. Shelves and other storage items are also being accepted.
Blackmon said students filled out a survey asking what they want in the store. Items they asked for include video games, toys, clothes, socks, cell phone cases and candy.
Blackmon and Nix were surprised that some students requested items such as markers, pens, pencils and paper.
“I’m amazed that some kids want some drawing tablets, simple things,” said Nix.
Once the store opens, students will be able to come in every two weeks and buy items through a point system. Students can see their progress by looking at the board in their classrooms.
Nix said parents can also see how many points their child has earned, and those who go to parent meetings can help their children earn points. She added that if a student misbehaves, points will be deducted.
Looking ahead, Blackmon wants the store to be full so when the kids come in, they will have a positive attitude. Nix said she would like to fill the store up with clothes and backpacks, so it will look like a real store.
“I would love to see different sections of the store,” said Nix.
