Punctuality Pays at MAHS - Literally

One of the things that schools battle with is tardiness. According to the Walton County Communities in Schools website, when students miss school, they miss out on important instruction time, study time and assignments, often resulting in a negative impact on achievement and scores. It is also an important part of the learning curve for students who will at some time enter the workforce. Punctuality in the business sector has an impact on productivity and the bottom line. It can also be a deciding factor of whether or not an employee manages to keep a job.

A program implemented by the Walton County CIS and the Monroe Area High School Attendance Committee is teaching students that punctuality really does pay – in this instance literally.

The program, aptly titled “Punctuality Pays,” offers a quarterly incentive for students who consistently get to school on time as well as for those who continue to improve. Students who qualify get an invitation to spin the prize wheel during lunch and receive goodies like soft drinks, candy and chicken sandwiches.  

"The kids appreciate that we recognize them for doing the right thing," CIS Site Coordinator Ivy Corder said in an explanation of the program.  "They are so excited, you would think those cokes were pure gold."

According to officials, the program is paying off. Not only is student attendance improving, but grades are going up accordingly.

(Information on this program is from the CIS Website)