Vice principal leads team in developing new-look Honor the Code program

By JAMESON BUTLER
The Tower

Manteca High vice principal Frank Fontana and a team of educators have re-imagined the school’s Honor the Code program, which reinforces positive behavior and campus etiquette.

Fontana said HTC’s primary objective is to promote positive behavior among the student body, creating an environment where students feel engaged and involved. This version of the school’s motto of honoring the code will reinforce what Manteca High stands for in a more manageable form for all members of the campus community to understand.

“Instead of using the word buffalo we are using the term ‘herd,’ ” Fontana said. “Therefore, the students feel like they’re a part of something. They can be a part of The Herd.”

Being a part of the Herd is inclusive and shows that at Manteca High the students work as a unit, and everyone is involved. With this revamped vision of the school's system of values, Fontana expects this change to reflect his emphasis of Manteca High working in unity and accentuate qualities like being helpful, ethical, responsible, and determined, the four core values of H.E.R.D.

“I want all students to feel a part of The Herd because we’re all in this together, every single one of us. A buffalo is just a single buffalo, being part of The Herd is being a part of something bigger. Our goal is to have more students engaged on campus and more inclusivity,” Fontana spoke eagerly.

Students who demonstrate positive behaviors and actions will be rewarded with “Herd Points.” Other ways to earn Herd Points include students’ ability to attend and participate in school events and activities, as well as obtaining honor roll and perfect attendance. Students can receive tickets from teachers, campus monitors and staff which can then be redeemed for points and exchanged for items in the student store.

These reward points are not limited to purchases at the student store; they also include other exciting incentives, making involvement in school activities not only beneficial but also enjoyable.

To track these reward points, Manteca High students have been encouraged to download the 5 Star app. Using this point system method is intended to encourage active participation in the school community with the goal of boosting attendance, enhancing academic performance, and creating an inclusive environment.

“We just want to reimagine Honor the Code and simplify it. It’s a quality program already; we’re just refining to make it more manageable for students. So instead of using the word ‘buffaloes,’ we’re going to Honor the Code with The Herd,” Fontana said.