Alton School District Introduces Incentive Program to Encourage Students and Connect Businesses
The Redbird Reward Card idea grew out of Reimagine Alton sessions, where attendance and graduation rates were key priorities. Read how the district plans to respond.
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Alton Community Unit School District #11 will start a new initiative to distribute Redbird Reward Cards to students who meet academic and attendance goals. Community partners can provide a benefit such as a discount, a complimentary item, or a buy-one-get-one offer that students can redeem with the card. Superintendent Elaine Kane believes it’s a great opportunity to connect the school district and the community.
“We’re reaching out to community partners to see who would like to help us recognize our Redbirds who are succeeding in school at the end of the semester,” she said. “I think it’s a great way to celebrate our collective success and reinforce the things that we know are most important for our students.”
At the end of each semester, qualifying students will receive a Redbird Reward Card. Students must have “good grades and outstanding attendance” to qualify.
Kane explained that this idea came out of the Reimagine Alton sessions, where community members outlined their priorities for the school district. Some of the biggest priorities were attendance and graduation rates, which are priorities for most districts throughout the Metro East.
In response, the district’s administrators agreed to try an incentive program to encourage students to come to school and pass their classes. The aim, Kane explained, is to recognize students who meet specific academic and attendance goals.
The district is now asking local businesses for help. A restaurant might offer a free ice cream cone or a free soda, for example. This complimentary item will be denoted on the Redbird Reward Card, and students with the card can redeem their reward.
Each participating business can decide how they would like to participate. Kane anticipates that some businesses will choose to offer an ongoing reward, like a discount, while others will provide one free item or chance to redeem the card.
She emphasized that these cards aim to encourage the kids and will be provided to students at no cost. The cards are not intended as a fundraising tool.
“It’s a great project for anyone who wants to encourage students and support our public schools,” she added. “Participants will be contributing to our collective goals and promoting their business at the same time.”
All students have the opportunity to qualify for a Redbird Reward Card. Kane plans to finalize and distribute cards by the end of this semester. The district will then distribute cards at the end of every semester going forward.
Interested businesses and community partners can reach out to Kane to learn more about this opportunity by contacting 618-433-7825 or ekane@altonschools.org.
“Sponsorships can be customized to fit each business,” she said. “We’re happy to discuss with people who want to get involved and talk about what might fit on the Redbird Reward Card.” For those interested in making a financial donation to the project, the district would work with local businesses to create incentives.
Ultimately, Kane said, the goal is to “celebrate our students and their success.” She looks forward to introducing the Redbird Reward Cards later this year.
This featured article is sponsored by Alton Community Unit School District #11. To get your business or organization featured on www.RiverBender.com, contact us at sales@riverbender.com.
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