At Green Park Elementary in Walla Walla, Kristi Richard, Student and Community Advocate, has transformed a traditional rewards system into an exciting, inclusive experience that students look forward to each month.
Green Park has long used a ticket-based incentive program tied to positive student behavior aligned with the school’s “ABCs of GP.” Originally, students earned tickets for positive actions and were entered into a drawing for prizes. However, over time, staff noticed the system was losing its appeal. With only a few students being rewarded through the drawing, many others were becoming less motivated to participate.
Seeing this challenge as an opportunity, Kristi reimagined the program to make it more engaging and equitable. Her solution? A monthly school store where every student has the opportunity to spend their earned tickets on fun and meaningful items. “I wanted to create something all students could look forward to and feel included in,” she explained.
The store offers a variety of items ranging from 10 to 40 tickets in value. From small toys and gadgets to Green Park-branded water bottles and even real, live plants, the selection is tailored to capture student interest. “The plants have been a huge hit!” Kristi shared.
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Teachers report that students are more motivated and engaged, and Kristi has seen firsthand how impactful the program has become. “I even ran into a student at a local grocery store who said, ‘I know you! You have the school store!’ Her mom told me it’s the highlight of her daughter’s day.”
Approximately 400-450 students visit the store each month, creating a school-wide culture of recognition, reward, and excitement.
Kristi’s innovation demonstrates how a small shift in approach—centering inclusivity and engagement—can have a big impact on student behavior and morale. At Green Park Elementary, the school store isn’t just about prizes. It’s about participation, pride, and building a positive learning environment for all.
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At Communities In Schools of the Blue Mountain Region, we believe every student deserves to feel seen, supported, and celebrated. Innovative solutions like the Green Park school store are possible because of dedicated school staff and community partners.
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