In the Spotlight

Aliso Viejo Middle School (Outside Source), Capistrano Unified School District. At Aliso Viejo Middle School student reward programs are an integral part of the daily routine. The academically successful students with exemplary GPAs are invited to attend a movie/snack party once a quarter. In a quarterly ceremony, students with perfect attendance receive awards as well. Both groups receive certificates validating their outstanding achievements. Additionally, students with perfect attendance are entered in a grand prize drawing at the end of the quarter. Eighth-grade students who receive Student of the Year trophies from their content area teachers are invited, along with their parents, to attend a special evening awards ceremony. All students are eligible to be recognized by a teacher every month as their Student of the Month. These students do not necessarily earn the award for academic excellence. They might be recognized for showing improvement, doing a good deed, or having an exemplary attitude. Another recognition award, called the “Gotcha” program, is administered by the Peer Assistance League/Associated Student Body classes. Students earn “Gotcha” tickets from their teachers for displaying kindness, consideration of others, great attitudes, and much more. Students who earned “Gotcha” tickets are automatically enrolled in a drawing with some enticing monthly prizes, such as movie tickets. Aliso Viejo’s Gold Coin program is another positive reward. Once each quarter students and faculty who received a gold coin for going “above and beyond” attend a luncheon in the library sponsored by the principal and made by the culinary arts students. Finally, all students are eligible to earn a “You Being You” ticket for giving 110 percent in class by being dedicated and doing their best on all school tests as well as the state STAR tests.