The incentive room was created by high school Principal Bryant Bednarek for the staff to reward their students.
“We want our school to be a place where students want to be, and part of that is letting your hair down and having a little fun sometimes. I also thought it might be a good way to strengthen staff and student relationships,” Bednarek said.
It is available for all students. Teachers can sign up to bring their class.
(Autumn Nikolai)
“It’s a good incentive for students. Let off some steam, play some games, enjoy something other than just classroom work. I have so far used it twice,” science teacher Paul Bell said.
The items in the room were purchased using Bednarek’s principal budget.
“Mr. Bell hooked us up with the ping pong equipment. Everything else at this point was purchased,” Bednarek said.
Teachers see the benefits of the room, but plan not to use the room too often.
“If it gets overused then I don’t think it would have the same incentive,” social studies teacher Jennifer Leahy said.
Bell has a strategy to make all his students feel included.
“I don’t penalize my class just because of an individual. If we all finished the test then we can all go to the room even if a student is failing,” Bell said.
Administration says input is appreciated in this room, and that the incentive room is a concept that will continue to evolve.
