East End Primary are calling a programme recently introduced to boost student performance and behaviour a success.

With the Lee Canter Positive Reinforcement programme, students are acknowledged for good citizenship, achievement in academics, attendance and effort.

"As a result of this initiative,'' principal Cathy Bassett said, "the student behaviour and performance throughout the school has shown marked improvement as evidenced by an increase in test scores, student performance and decreases in detentions, suspensions, and office referrals for breaking school rules.

"Throughout the school there is an atmosphere of learning and improved conduct,'' she added.

The schoolwide incentive programme includes the following: Student of the Week; Student of the Month; Most Improved Student of the Month; Perfect Attendance for the Term; Good Manners Award; Awards for effort; and Rainbow Awards.

Class teachers grant the Student of the Week award which is designed to act as booster for students' morale and performance.

All students who become students of the week are given a ribbon for parents to wear on their clothing together with a certificate that can be displayed in their home.

The ribbons state: "I am a proud parent of a student of the week.'' Student of the Month awards are given to any student in Primary One through Primary Six who displays both academic and behavioural improvement.

Selection is left to the teacher of the specific grade and is recorded in the child's improvement record.

A copy of the acknowledgement letter is sent with the child, notifying parents of the award and date to return the trophy, which was donated by former East End PTA president Sherrie Hayward.

Six students are eligible for the Most Improved Student of the Month award.

The teachers meet once a week before the end of the month and provide input regarding the students' performance before the team. They decide unanimously who should receive the Most Improved Student of the Month and give the name to the principal and other staff members as well as the parent before the actual presentation.

Perfect Attendance Awards are given to students at the end of each term. These consist of certificates which are taken home to parents. Parents are notified before the presentations are made and students are acknowledged in assembly.

Teachers, other staff members, the principal and deputy principal present the students with the Good Manners Awards at their discretion.

Names are forwarded by Thursday of each week so that certificates can be completed in a timely manner, Mrs. Bassett said.

Effort Awards were also handed out on an ongoing basis at the discretion of teachers, the physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, and other staff working directly with the student.

Lee Canter books on Positive Reinforcement are given to each class teacher and an incentive budget is provided annually for the award materials.

Rainbow Awards, Mrs. Bassett said, are presented to students who fit any other special merit and are presented during assembly.

They are given for helpfulness in the classroom, good citizenship, good sportsmanship, and good behaviour.

Students may receive special recognition in assembly, verbal commendation, lunch with the principal, a special coach ride around the block, a Double-dip ice cream treat, a grub day where no uniform is worn or an outing at a place of interest.

For special treats, students may receive lunch on a cruise liner, or a horse and buggy ride with their parents.

"The results of Positive Reinforcement Programmes are clearly proving that exemplifying positive behaviour enhances school performance,'' Mrs. Bassett said.

SPECIAL LUNCH -- Jasmine Dill and Theresa Roque enjoy a special lunch as a reward for good behaviour.