Every Thursday afternoon at Sanford Middle School, the cafeteria buzzes with excitement as students gather around four large drums. The student leadership team reaches in to draw names, and cheers erupt as the lucky winners make their way to the office to select their prizes – some even earning the coveted opportunity to feed the classroom tortoises.
This weekly raffle is just one of several innovative programs implemented through the Stronger Connections Grant at Sanford Middle School. Now in its first year of implementation, this three-year grant aims to create a more positive, supportive environment where students feel respected, responsible, and connected to their school community.
"The goal of the behavior matrix was to make everything really easy for staff to say 'hey, I notice buddy, you're not being safe, being responsible, being respectful,'" explained Diana Allen, who teaches seventh-grade science. These three principles – being safe, responsible, and respectful – now appear on colorful banners throughout the school, serving as friendly reminders of expectations for students in every area of the building.
The raffle ticket system rewards students who demonstrate these positive behaviors. When staff members notice students following these principles, they hand out raffle tickets. Students write their names on the tickets and drop them in their grade-level drum for the weekly drawing.
For parents wondering how to help reinforce these values at home, consider asking your child about these three principles during dinner conversations. What does it mean to be safe, responsible, and respectful at school? Has your child received any raffle tickets this week? Simple questions like these can help bridge school and home expectations.
Coming soon is another recognition program called the "Spartan Medallion." This special honor will recognize students who consistently demonstrate exemplary behavior throughout the school. These students will receive privileges like early lunch dismissal and other rewards designed with input from fellow students.
Jennifer Brown, who runs the student leadership program, highlighted the importance of student voices in these initiatives: "We've incorporated them, and they've been helping us out with a lot of their student ideas too, and I think that's really important to highlight as well."
David Ekram coordinates the grant alongside Principal Mrs. Crosby and a team of educators from various grade levels and subject areas. Together, they've crafted these programs based on feedback from surveys completed by students, parents, and staff last spring.
Families are encouraged to participate in upcoming events designed to strengthen school-home connections. These events provide wonderful opportunities for you to engage with your child's learning in fun, interactive ways.
In January, approximately 30 people attended a Family Art Night, with staff noting it was particularly heartwarming to see students who sometimes struggle with attendance showing up with their families to participate.
The school is also planning future parent workshops on helpful technology tools like Infinite Campus and Google Classroom to make it easier for families to stay connected with their child's progress.