Empowering positive behavior: HERD Store revolutionizes student incentives

By NORA HYSTAD 
The Tower 

Innovation has brewed at Manteca High School with the introduction of the HERD Store, a revolutionary concept designed to reward students for their exemplary behavior.  It embodies the school's commitment to fostering a positive learning environment through incentivized rewards. 

“The HERD store is in place so when students earn 5-Star HERD tickets and they earn points, they have an incentive to spend those points and get things to reward them for their good behavior," said Teacher on Special Assignment Mackenzie VanWarmerdam.  

At the core of the HERD Store is a simple yet powerful idea: Students earn points by receiving 5-Star HERD tickets, which they can then redeem for rewards.  

This ingenious system provides students with a tangible incentive to exhibit good behavior, encouraging a culture of responsibility and accountability within the school community. 

“I think it's cool that kids can get rewarded for doing the right thing, which is like the whole point of all of it,” said teacher librarian Elyce Smith.  

The process of earning points is diverse and inclusive, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to participate. Whether it's receiving a ticket from a teacher for exemplary conduct, attending sporting events to showcase school spirit, or participating in extracurricular activities and clubs, students have numerous avenues to accumulate points.  

Even simple acts like wearing the school colors on Fridays or achieving perfect attendance and good grades contribute to their point tally.  

"There are so many ways students can get points. You can get a ticket from a teacher. You can get a ticket from a sub, which are worth more points. You can go to sporting events. You can go to clubs. You can wear green and white on Fridays. You can participate in dress-up weeks, lunchtime activities. You can get it for perfect attendance … for grades … for so many ways. Some of them they go in automatically without you even knowing because you've gotten perfect attendance. I get that report and I put it in," said VanWarmerdam.  

The school committee, the visionary behind the HERD Store, has meticulously crafted a system that not only rewards positive behavior but also empowers students to track their progress. Through the 5-Star app, students can easily monitor their point balance and unlock incentives based on their accumulated points. This transparency ensures that students are actively engaged in the process, driving motivation and enthusiasm for achieving their goals. 

The HERD Store itself is a testament to the school's commitment to student success. Stocked with a wide range of rewards, from practical school supplies to prom tickets, and so much more the store offers something for everyone.  

The point values assigned to each item ensure that students can gradually work towards their desired rewards, reinforcing the importance of perseverance and goal setting. 

Not only does the herd store incentivize positive behavior, but it also cultivates a sense of pride and ownership within the student body. By celebrating their achievements, big and small, Manteca High School is nurturing a culture of excellence that extends far beyond the classroom walls. 

In the journey towards academic success, the herd store stands as a beacon of encouragement, reminding students that their efforts are valued and rewarded.  

The HERD Store will serve as a testament to the transformative power of incentives in shaping positive behavior and fostering a thriving school community.