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A Quiet Student’s Journey to Recognition

Laura’s journey in education has been deeply influenced by her own experiences as a student. She recalls being the quiet, rule-following kid, often overlooked and sometimes unfairly punished for simply trying to do the right thing. These memories have fueled her passion for recognizing and rewarding positive behavior and attendance in her students, a cornerstone of her approach today.

“I was a quiet student, always scared to break a rule,” Laura shared. “I didn’t get recognized for any of that. And I remember getting in trouble for things that weren’t my fault. Those moments stuck with me.”

The Importance of Rewarding Positive Behavior and Attendance

Laura’s philosophy is straightforward: students who make good choices and show up regularly deserve recognition. This principle extends beyond the classroom and into life itself. “Isn’t that what we want in this life?” she asks. “When someone does the right thing or shows up consistently, they should be rewarded. We need to instill that in our kids.”

This belief in positive reinforcement is central to Laura’s approach at Beasley Elementary. Using LiveSchool, the school has developed a comprehensive system to track, recognize, and reward both positive behavior and attendance. LiveSchool’s platform allows Laura and her team to:

Running a Reward Store to Boost Attendance

One of the standout features of Beasley Elementary’s approach is their reward store, designed to not only recognize positive behavior but also address attendance issues. Using LiveSchool, Laura and her team have set up a reward store where students can redeem the points they earn for both behavior and attendance improvements. This store offers a variety of incentives, from school supplies and toys to special privileges and experiences.

How It Works:

Understanding the Messages Behind Behavior

“All behavior is saying something,” Laura emphasized. “It’s easy to jump to conclusions, but I believe in digging deeper. We have to get to know the student, their home life, what frightens them, what makes them laugh—everything.”

LiveSchool supports Laura’s philosophy by offering detailed reports and analytics on student behavior and attendance. This data helps Laura and her team understand the root causes of behavioral issues and attendance challenges, allowing them to tailor their support strategies effectively. For example, if a student consistently struggles with attendance, the platform’s data helps identify patterns and triggers, leading to more personalized and effective interventions.

Rewiring Thinking, Not Just Punishing

“We’ve had students who made very poor choices, and instead of sending them to ALC or suspending them, we gave them something different—something that would help them think differently,” Laura explained. “It’s about rewiring their thinking rather than just punishing them.”

LiveSchool’s flexibility allows Laura to implement creative solutions for behavior and attendance management. For instance, students who need corrective guidance might be assigned tasks like writing appreciation notes to peers and teachers, while others might be recognized with special rewards for improved attendance. This approach not only addresses immediate issues but also promotes positive interactions and helps build a stronger school community.

A Message to Fellow Educators

“If I could put up a billboard for every assistant principal in the country, it would say that all behavior is communicating something. We need to look beyond the surface and really understand our students,” Laura said.

Laura Spiegel’s work at Beasley Elementary, supported by LiveSchool, demonstrates the profound impact of combining empathy with technology. By using LiveSchool to track and reward behavior and attendance, running an engaging reward store with a strategic schedule, and including exciting incentives like the giant teddy bear, Laura and her team have created a school environment where positive behavior and regular attendance are recognized, and every student’s needs are addressed.

Let’s take this to your inbox
We’ll send you our monthly newsletter which is fully stocked with free resources like articles, videos, podcasts, reward ideas, and anything else we can think of to help you make your school awesome.
In the heart of Lamar CISD, Assistant Principal Laura Spiegel has found a powerful way to connect with her students, especially those who might otherwise slip through the cracks. For Laura, it’s not just about managing behavior—it’s about understanding it and using innovative strategies to improve attendance. Her approach, supported by LiveSchool, has transformed how Beasley Elementary addresses both behavior and attendance challenges.

A Quiet Student’s Journey to Recognition

Laura’s journey in education has been deeply influenced by her own experiences as a student. She recalls being the quiet, rule-following kid, often overlooked and sometimes unfairly punished for simply trying to do the right thing. These memories have fueled her passion for recognizing and rewarding positive behavior and attendance in her students, a cornerstone of her approach today.

“I was a quiet student, always scared to break a rule,” Laura shared. “I didn’t get recognized for any of that. And I remember getting in trouble for things that weren’t my fault. Those moments stuck with me.”

The Importance of Rewarding Positive Behavior and Attendance

Laura’s philosophy is straightforward: students who make good choices and show up regularly deserve recognition. This principle extends beyond the classroom and into life itself. “Isn’t that what we want in this life?” she asks. “When someone does the right thing or shows up consistently, they should be rewarded. We need to instill that in our kids.”

This belief in positive reinforcement is central to Laura’s approach at Beasley Elementary. Using LiveSchool, the school has developed a comprehensive system to track, recognize, and reward both positive behavior and attendance. LiveSchool’s platform allows Laura and her team to:

  • Track Student Behavior and Attendance: The system provides real-time data on student actions and attendance, helping educators quickly identify and address trends.
  •  Award Points: Positive behaviors and perfect attendance are rewarded with points that students can redeem for various incentives, reinforcing the value of making good choices and attending school regularly.
  • Monitor Progress: The platform’s analytics offer insights into individual and group behavior and attendance patterns, enabling more targeted interventions.

Running a Reward Store to Boost Attendance

One of the standout features of Beasley Elementary’s approach is their reward store, designed to not only recognize positive behavior but also address attendance issues. Using LiveSchool, Laura and her team have set up a reward store where students can redeem the points they earn for both behavior and attendance improvements. This store offers a variety of incentives, from school supplies and toys to special privileges and experiences.

How It Works:

  • Point Redemption Days: Students can redeem their points on Fridays. Laura chose Fridays because it was the day with historically lower attendance, and having a reward day at the end of the week encourages students to attend school on that day to be eligible for rewards.
  •  Reward Delivery Days: Rewards are delivered on Mondays. This timing helps address attendance issues at the start of the week. By receiving their rewards on Monday, students start the new week positively, motivated by the recognition they earned for their good attendance and behavior.
  • Attendance Incentives: The reward store includes specific incentives for improved attendance. Students who meet or exceed attendance goals can earn extra points or special rewards, encouraging them to come to school every day.
  • Giant Teddy Bear: One of the most popular items in the reward store is the giant teddy bear. This coveted prize is awarded to students who achieve significant milestones in attendance and behavior. It has become a symbol of the school’s commitment to celebrating students’ efforts and achievements.

Understanding the Messages Behind Behavior

“All behavior is saying something,” Laura emphasized. “It’s easy to jump to conclusions, but I believe in digging deeper. We have to get to know the student, their home life, what frightens them, what makes them laugh—everything.”

LiveSchool supports Laura’s philosophy by offering detailed reports and analytics on student behavior and attendance. This data helps Laura and her team understand the root causes of behavioral issues and attendance challenges, allowing them to tailor their support strategies effectively. For example, if a student consistently struggles with attendance, the platform’s data helps identify patterns and triggers, leading to more personalized and effective interventions.

Rewiring Thinking, Not Just Punishing

“We’ve had students who made very poor choices, and instead of sending them to ALC or suspending them, we gave them something different—something that would help them think differently,” Laura explained. “It’s about rewiring their thinking rather than just punishing them.”

LiveSchool’s flexibility allows Laura to implement creative solutions for behavior and attendance management. For instance, students who need corrective guidance might be assigned tasks like writing appreciation notes to peers and teachers, while others might be recognized with special rewards for improved attendance. This approach not only addresses immediate issues but also promotes positive interactions and helps build a stronger school community.

A Message to Fellow Educators

“If I could put up a billboard for every assistant principal in the country, it would say that all behavior is communicating something. We need to look beyond the surface and really understand our students,” Laura said.

Laura Spiegel’s work at Beasley Elementary, supported by LiveSchool, demonstrates the profound impact of combining empathy with technology. By using LiveSchool to track and reward behavior and attendance, running an engaging reward store with a strategic schedule, and including exciting incentives like the giant teddy bear, Laura and her team have created a school environment where positive behavior and regular attendance are recognized, and every student’s needs are addressed.

Let’s take this to your inbox
We’ll send you our monthly newsletter which is fully stocked with free resources like articles, videos, podcasts, reward ideas, and anything else we can think of to help you make your school awesome.

A Quiet Student’s Journey to Recognition

Laura’s journey in education has been deeply influenced by her own experiences as a student. She recalls being the quiet, rule-following kid, often overlooked and sometimes unfairly punished for simply trying to do the right thing. These memories have fueled her passion for recognizing and rewarding positive behavior and attendance in her students, a cornerstone of her approach today.

“I was a quiet student, always scared to break a rule,” Laura shared. “I didn’t get recognized for any of that. And I remember getting in trouble for things that weren’t my fault. Those moments stuck with me.”

The Importance of Rewarding Positive Behavior and Attendance

Laura’s philosophy is straightforward: students who make good choices and show up regularly deserve recognition. This principle extends beyond the classroom and into life itself. “Isn’t that what we want in this life?” she asks. “When someone does the right thing or shows up consistently, they should be rewarded. We need to instill that in our kids.”

This belief in positive reinforcement is central to Laura’s approach at Beasley Elementary. Using LiveSchool, the school has developed a comprehensive system to track, recognize, and reward both positive behavior and attendance. LiveSchool’s platform allows Laura and her team to:

  • Track Student Behavior and Attendance: The system provides real-time data on student actions and attendance, helping educators quickly identify and address trends.
  •  Award Points: Positive behaviors and perfect attendance are rewarded with points that students can redeem for various incentives, reinforcing the value of making good choices and attending school regularly.
  • Monitor Progress: The platform’s analytics offer insights into individual and group behavior and attendance patterns, enabling more targeted interventions.

Running a Reward Store to Boost Attendance

One of the standout features of Beasley Elementary’s approach is their reward store, designed to not only recognize positive behavior but also address attendance issues. Using LiveSchool, Laura and her team have set up a reward store where students can redeem the points they earn for both behavior and attendance improvements. This store offers a variety of incentives, from school supplies and toys to special privileges and experiences.

How It Works:

  • Point Redemption Days: Students can redeem their points on Fridays. Laura chose Fridays because it was the day with historically lower attendance, and having a reward day at the end of the week encourages students to attend school on that day to be eligible for rewards.
  •  Reward Delivery Days: Rewards are delivered on Mondays. This timing helps address attendance issues at the start of the week. By receiving their rewards on Monday, students start the new week positively, motivated by the recognition they earned for their good attendance and behavior.
  • Attendance Incentives: The reward store includes specific incentives for improved attendance. Students who meet or exceed attendance goals can earn extra points or special rewards, encouraging them to come to school every day.
  • Giant Teddy Bear: One of the most popular items in the reward store is the giant teddy bear. This coveted prize is awarded to students who achieve significant milestones in attendance and behavior. It has become a symbol of the school’s commitment to celebrating students’ efforts and achievements.

Understanding the Messages Behind Behavior

“All behavior is saying something,” Laura emphasized. “It’s easy to jump to conclusions, but I believe in digging deeper. We have to get to know the student, their home life, what frightens them, what makes them laugh—everything.”

LiveSchool supports Laura’s philosophy by offering detailed reports and analytics on student behavior and attendance. This data helps Laura and her team understand the root causes of behavioral issues and attendance challenges, allowing them to tailor their support strategies effectively. For example, if a student consistently struggles with attendance, the platform’s data helps identify patterns and triggers, leading to more personalized and effective interventions.

Rewiring Thinking, Not Just Punishing

“We’ve had students who made very poor choices, and instead of sending them to ALC or suspending them, we gave them something different—something that would help them think differently,” Laura explained. “It’s about rewiring their thinking rather than just punishing them.”

LiveSchool’s flexibility allows Laura to implement creative solutions for behavior and attendance management. For instance, students who need corrective guidance might be assigned tasks like writing appreciation notes to peers and teachers, while others might be recognized with special rewards for improved attendance. This approach not only addresses immediate issues but also promotes positive interactions and helps build a stronger school community.

A Message to Fellow Educators

“If I could put up a billboard for every assistant principal in the country, it would say that all behavior is communicating something. We need to look beyond the surface and really understand our students,” Laura said.

Laura Spiegel’s work at Beasley Elementary, supported by LiveSchool, demonstrates the profound impact of combining empathy with technology. By using LiveSchool to track and reward behavior and attendance, running an engaging reward store with a strategic schedule, and including exciting incentives like the giant teddy bear, Laura and her team have created a school environment where positive behavior and regular attendance are recognized, and every student’s needs are addressed.

Let’s take this to your inbox
We’ll send you our monthly newsletter which is fully stocked with free resources like articles, videos, podcasts, reward ideas, and anything else we can think of to help you make your school awesome.

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About the Event

A Quiet Student’s Journey to Recognition

Laura’s journey in education has been deeply influenced by her own experiences as a student. She recalls being the quiet, rule-following kid, often overlooked and sometimes unfairly punished for simply trying to do the right thing. These memories have fueled her passion for recognizing and rewarding positive behavior and attendance in her students, a cornerstone of her approach today.

“I was a quiet student, always scared to break a rule,” Laura shared. “I didn’t get recognized for any of that. And I remember getting in trouble for things that weren’t my fault. Those moments stuck with me.”

The Importance of Rewarding Positive Behavior and Attendance

Laura’s philosophy is straightforward: students who make good choices and show up regularly deserve recognition. This principle extends beyond the classroom and into life itself. “Isn’t that what we want in this life?” she asks. “When someone does the right thing or shows up consistently, they should be rewarded. We need to instill that in our kids.”

This belief in positive reinforcement is central to Laura’s approach at Beasley Elementary. Using LiveSchool, the school has developed a comprehensive system to track, recognize, and reward both positive behavior and attendance. LiveSchool’s platform allows Laura and her team to:

  • Track Student Behavior and Attendance: The system provides real-time data on student actions and attendance, helping educators quickly identify and address trends.
  •  Award Points: Positive behaviors and perfect attendance are rewarded with points that students can redeem for various incentives, reinforcing the value of making good choices and attending school regularly.
  • Monitor Progress: The platform’s analytics offer insights into individual and group behavior and attendance patterns, enabling more targeted interventions.

Running a Reward Store to Boost Attendance

One of the standout features of Beasley Elementary’s approach is their reward store, designed to not only recognize positive behavior but also address attendance issues. Using LiveSchool, Laura and her team have set up a reward store where students can redeem the points they earn for both behavior and attendance improvements. This store offers a variety of incentives, from school supplies and toys to special privileges and experiences.

How It Works:

  • Point Redemption Days: Students can redeem their points on Fridays. Laura chose Fridays because it was the day with historically lower attendance, and having a reward day at the end of the week encourages students to attend school on that day to be eligible for rewards.
  •  Reward Delivery Days: Rewards are delivered on Mondays. This timing helps address attendance issues at the start of the week. By receiving their rewards on Monday, students start the new week positively, motivated by the recognition they earned for their good attendance and behavior.
  • Attendance Incentives: The reward store includes specific incentives for improved attendance. Students who meet or exceed attendance goals can earn extra points or special rewards, encouraging them to come to school every day.
  • Giant Teddy Bear: One of the most popular items in the reward store is the giant teddy bear. This coveted prize is awarded to students who achieve significant milestones in attendance and behavior. It has become a symbol of the school’s commitment to celebrating students’ efforts and achievements.

Understanding the Messages Behind Behavior

“All behavior is saying something,” Laura emphasized. “It’s easy to jump to conclusions, but I believe in digging deeper. We have to get to know the student, their home life, what frightens them, what makes them laugh—everything.”

LiveSchool supports Laura’s philosophy by offering detailed reports and analytics on student behavior and attendance. This data helps Laura and her team understand the root causes of behavioral issues and attendance challenges, allowing them to tailor their support strategies effectively. For example, if a student consistently struggles with attendance, the platform’s data helps identify patterns and triggers, leading to more personalized and effective interventions.

Rewiring Thinking, Not Just Punishing

“We’ve had students who made very poor choices, and instead of sending them to ALC or suspending them, we gave them something different—something that would help them think differently,” Laura explained. “It’s about rewiring their thinking rather than just punishing them.”

LiveSchool’s flexibility allows Laura to implement creative solutions for behavior and attendance management. For instance, students who need corrective guidance might be assigned tasks like writing appreciation notes to peers and teachers, while others might be recognized with special rewards for improved attendance. This approach not only addresses immediate issues but also promotes positive interactions and helps build a stronger school community.

A Message to Fellow Educators

“If I could put up a billboard for every assistant principal in the country, it would say that all behavior is communicating something. We need to look beyond the surface and really understand our students,” Laura said.

Laura Spiegel’s work at Beasley Elementary, supported by LiveSchool, demonstrates the profound impact of combining empathy with technology. By using LiveSchool to track and reward behavior and attendance, running an engaging reward store with a strategic schedule, and including exciting incentives like the giant teddy bear, Laura and her team have created a school environment where positive behavior and regular attendance are recognized, and every student’s needs are addressed.

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About the Event

A Quiet Student’s Journey to Recognition

Laura’s journey in education has been deeply influenced by her own experiences as a student. She recalls being the quiet, rule-following kid, often overlooked and sometimes unfairly punished for simply trying to do the right thing. These memories have fueled her passion for recognizing and rewarding positive behavior and attendance in her students, a cornerstone of her approach today.

“I was a quiet student, always scared to break a rule,” Laura shared. “I didn’t get recognized for any of that. And I remember getting in trouble for things that weren’t my fault. Those moments stuck with me.”

The Importance of Rewarding Positive Behavior and Attendance

Laura’s philosophy is straightforward: students who make good choices and show up regularly deserve recognition. This principle extends beyond the classroom and into life itself. “Isn’t that what we want in this life?” she asks. “When someone does the right thing or shows up consistently, they should be rewarded. We need to instill that in our kids.”

This belief in positive reinforcement is central to Laura’s approach at Beasley Elementary. Using LiveSchool, the school has developed a comprehensive system to track, recognize, and reward both positive behavior and attendance. LiveSchool’s platform allows Laura and her team to:

  • Track Student Behavior and Attendance: The system provides real-time data on student actions and attendance, helping educators quickly identify and address trends.
  •  Award Points: Positive behaviors and perfect attendance are rewarded with points that students can redeem for various incentives, reinforcing the value of making good choices and attending school regularly.
  • Monitor Progress: The platform’s analytics offer insights into individual and group behavior and attendance patterns, enabling more targeted interventions.

Running a Reward Store to Boost Attendance

One of the standout features of Beasley Elementary’s approach is their reward store, designed to not only recognize positive behavior but also address attendance issues. Using LiveSchool, Laura and her team have set up a reward store where students can redeem the points they earn for both behavior and attendance improvements. This store offers a variety of incentives, from school supplies and toys to special privileges and experiences.

How It Works:

  • Point Redemption Days: Students can redeem their points on Fridays. Laura chose Fridays because it was the day with historically lower attendance, and having a reward day at the end of the week encourages students to attend school on that day to be eligible for rewards.
  •  Reward Delivery Days: Rewards are delivered on Mondays. This timing helps address attendance issues at the start of the week. By receiving their rewards on Monday, students start the new week positively, motivated by the recognition they earned for their good attendance and behavior.
  • Attendance Incentives: The reward store includes specific incentives for improved attendance. Students who meet or exceed attendance goals can earn extra points or special rewards, encouraging them to come to school every day.
  • Giant Teddy Bear: One of the most popular items in the reward store is the giant teddy bear. This coveted prize is awarded to students who achieve significant milestones in attendance and behavior. It has become a symbol of the school’s commitment to celebrating students’ efforts and achievements.

Understanding the Messages Behind Behavior

“All behavior is saying something,” Laura emphasized. “It’s easy to jump to conclusions, but I believe in digging deeper. We have to get to know the student, their home life, what frightens them, what makes them laugh—everything.”

LiveSchool supports Laura’s philosophy by offering detailed reports and analytics on student behavior and attendance. This data helps Laura and her team understand the root causes of behavioral issues and attendance challenges, allowing them to tailor their support strategies effectively. For example, if a student consistently struggles with attendance, the platform’s data helps identify patterns and triggers, leading to more personalized and effective interventions.

Rewiring Thinking, Not Just Punishing

“We’ve had students who made very poor choices, and instead of sending them to ALC or suspending them, we gave them something different—something that would help them think differently,” Laura explained. “It’s about rewiring their thinking rather than just punishing them.”

LiveSchool’s flexibility allows Laura to implement creative solutions for behavior and attendance management. For instance, students who need corrective guidance might be assigned tasks like writing appreciation notes to peers and teachers, while others might be recognized with special rewards for improved attendance. This approach not only addresses immediate issues but also promotes positive interactions and helps build a stronger school community.

A Message to Fellow Educators

“If I could put up a billboard for every assistant principal in the country, it would say that all behavior is communicating something. We need to look beyond the surface and really understand our students,” Laura said.

Laura Spiegel’s work at Beasley Elementary, supported by LiveSchool, demonstrates the profound impact of combining empathy with technology. By using LiveSchool to track and reward behavior and attendance, running an engaging reward store with a strategic schedule, and including exciting incentives like the giant teddy bear, Laura and her team have created a school environment where positive behavior and regular attendance are recognized, and every student’s needs are addressed.

Let’s take this to your inbox
We’ll send you our monthly newsletter which is fully stocked with free resources like articles, videos, podcasts, reward ideas, and anything else we can think of to help you make your school awesome.

In the heart of Lamar CISD, Assistant Principal Laura Spiegel has found a powerful way to connect with her students, especially those who might otherwise slip through the cracks. For Laura, it’s not just about managing behavior—it’s about understanding it and using innovative strategies to improve attendance. Her approach, supported by LiveSchool, has transformed how Beasley Elementary addresses both behavior and attendance challenges.

A Quiet Student’s Journey to Recognition

Laura’s journey in education has been deeply influenced by her own experiences as a student. She recalls being the quiet, rule-following kid, often overlooked and sometimes unfairly punished for simply trying to do the right thing. These memories have fueled her passion for recognizing and rewarding positive behavior and attendance in her students, a cornerstone of her approach today.

“I was a quiet student, always scared to break a rule,” Laura shared. “I didn’t get recognized for any of that. And I remember getting in trouble for things that weren’t my fault. Those moments stuck with me.”

The Importance of Rewarding Positive Behavior and Attendance

Laura’s philosophy is straightforward: students who make good choices and show up regularly deserve recognition. This principle extends beyond the classroom and into life itself. “Isn’t that what we want in this life?” she asks. “When someone does the right thing or shows up consistently, they should be rewarded. We need to instill that in our kids.”

This belief in positive reinforcement is central to Laura’s approach at Beasley Elementary. Using LiveSchool, the school has developed a comprehensive system to track, recognize, and reward both positive behavior and attendance. LiveSchool’s platform allows Laura and her team to:

  • Track Student Behavior and Attendance: The system provides real-time data on student actions and attendance, helping educators quickly identify and address trends.
  •  Award Points: Positive behaviors and perfect attendance are rewarded with points that students can redeem for various incentives, reinforcing the value of making good choices and attending school regularly.
  • Monitor Progress: The platform’s analytics offer insights into individual and group behavior and attendance patterns, enabling more targeted interventions.

Running a Reward Store to Boost Attendance

One of the standout features of Beasley Elementary’s approach is their reward store, designed to not only recognize positive behavior but also address attendance issues. Using LiveSchool, Laura and her team have set up a reward store where students can redeem the points they earn for both behavior and attendance improvements. This store offers a variety of incentives, from school supplies and toys to special privileges and experiences.

How It Works:

  • Point Redemption Days: Students can redeem their points on Fridays. Laura chose Fridays because it was the day with historically lower attendance, and having a reward day at the end of the week encourages students to attend school on that day to be eligible for rewards.
  •  Reward Delivery Days: Rewards are delivered on Mondays. This timing helps address attendance issues at the start of the week. By receiving their rewards on Monday, students start the new week positively, motivated by the recognition they earned for their good attendance and behavior.
  • Attendance Incentives: The reward store includes specific incentives for improved attendance. Students who meet or exceed attendance goals can earn extra points or special rewards, encouraging them to come to school every day.
  • Giant Teddy Bear: One of the most popular items in the reward store is the giant teddy bear. This coveted prize is awarded to students who achieve significant milestones in attendance and behavior. It has become a symbol of the school’s commitment to celebrating students’ efforts and achievements.

Understanding the Messages Behind Behavior

“All behavior is saying something,” Laura emphasized. “It’s easy to jump to conclusions, but I believe in digging deeper. We have to get to know the student, their home life, what frightens them, what makes them laugh—everything.”

LiveSchool supports Laura’s philosophy by offering detailed reports and analytics on student behavior and attendance. This data helps Laura and her team understand the root causes of behavioral issues and attendance challenges, allowing them to tailor their support strategies effectively. For example, if a student consistently struggles with attendance, the platform’s data helps identify patterns and triggers, leading to more personalized and effective interventions.

Rewiring Thinking, Not Just Punishing

“We’ve had students who made very poor choices, and instead of sending them to ALC or suspending them, we gave them something different—something that would help them think differently,” Laura explained. “It’s about rewiring their thinking rather than just punishing them.”

LiveSchool’s flexibility allows Laura to implement creative solutions for behavior and attendance management. For instance, students who need corrective guidance might be assigned tasks like writing appreciation notes to peers and teachers, while others might be recognized with special rewards for improved attendance. This approach not only addresses immediate issues but also promotes positive interactions and helps build a stronger school community.

A Message to Fellow Educators

“If I could put up a billboard for every assistant principal in the country, it would say that all behavior is communicating something. We need to look beyond the surface and really understand our students,” Laura said.

Laura Spiegel’s work at Beasley Elementary, supported by LiveSchool, demonstrates the profound impact of combining empathy with technology. By using LiveSchool to track and reward behavior and attendance, running an engaging reward store with a strategic schedule, and including exciting incentives like the giant teddy bear, Laura and her team have created a school environment where positive behavior and regular attendance are recognized, and every student’s needs are addressed.

Learn more about the author, 
The Liveschool Team
 
Let’s take this to your inbox
We’ll send you our monthly newsletter which is fully stocked with free resources like articles, videos, podcasts, reward ideas, and anything else we can think of to help you make your school awesome.

In the heart of Lamar CISD, Assistant Principal Laura Spiegel has found a powerful way to connect with her students, especially those who might otherwise slip through the cracks. For Laura, it’s not just about managing behavior—it’s about understanding it and using innovative strategies to improve attendance. Her approach, supported by LiveSchool, has transformed how Beasley Elementary addresses both behavior and attendance challenges.

A Quiet Student’s Journey to Recognition

Laura’s journey in education has been deeply influenced by her own experiences as a student. She recalls being the quiet, rule-following kid, often overlooked and sometimes unfairly punished for simply trying to do the right thing. These memories have fueled her passion for recognizing and rewarding positive behavior and attendance in her students, a cornerstone of her approach today.

“I was a quiet student, always scared to break a rule,” Laura shared. “I didn’t get recognized for any of that. And I remember getting in trouble for things that weren’t my fault. Those moments stuck with me.”

The Importance of Rewarding Positive Behavior and Attendance

Laura’s philosophy is straightforward: students who make good choices and show up regularly deserve recognition. This principle extends beyond the classroom and into life itself. “Isn’t that what we want in this life?” she asks. “When someone does the right thing or shows up consistently, they should be rewarded. We need to instill that in our kids.”

This belief in positive reinforcement is central to Laura’s approach at Beasley Elementary. Using LiveSchool, the school has developed a comprehensive system to track, recognize, and reward both positive behavior and attendance. LiveSchool’s platform allows Laura and her team to:

  • Track Student Behavior and Attendance: The system provides real-time data on student actions and attendance, helping educators quickly identify and address trends.
  •  Award Points: Positive behaviors and perfect attendance are rewarded with points that students can redeem for various incentives, reinforcing the value of making good choices and attending school regularly.
  • Monitor Progress: The platform’s analytics offer insights into individual and group behavior and attendance patterns, enabling more targeted interventions.

Running a Reward Store to Boost Attendance

One of the standout features of Beasley Elementary’s approach is their reward store, designed to not only recognize positive behavior but also address attendance issues. Using LiveSchool, Laura and her team have set up a reward store where students can redeem the points they earn for both behavior and attendance improvements. This store offers a variety of incentives, from school supplies and toys to special privileges and experiences.

How It Works:

  • Point Redemption Days: Students can redeem their points on Fridays. Laura chose Fridays because it was the day with historically lower attendance, and having a reward day at the end of the week encourages students to attend school on that day to be eligible for rewards.
  •  Reward Delivery Days: Rewards are delivered on Mondays. This timing helps address attendance issues at the start of the week. By receiving their rewards on Monday, students start the new week positively, motivated by the recognition they earned for their good attendance and behavior.
  • Attendance Incentives: The reward store includes specific incentives for improved attendance. Students who meet or exceed attendance goals can earn extra points or special rewards, encouraging them to come to school every day.
  • Giant Teddy Bear: One of the most popular items in the reward store is the giant teddy bear. This coveted prize is awarded to students who achieve significant milestones in attendance and behavior. It has become a symbol of the school’s commitment to celebrating students’ efforts and achievements.

Understanding the Messages Behind Behavior

“All behavior is saying something,” Laura emphasized. “It’s easy to jump to conclusions, but I believe in digging deeper. We have to get to know the student, their home life, what frightens them, what makes them laugh—everything.”

LiveSchool supports Laura’s philosophy by offering detailed reports and analytics on student behavior and attendance. This data helps Laura and her team understand the root causes of behavioral issues and attendance challenges, allowing them to tailor their support strategies effectively. For example, if a student consistently struggles with attendance, the platform’s data helps identify patterns and triggers, leading to more personalized and effective interventions.

Rewiring Thinking, Not Just Punishing

“We’ve had students who made very poor choices, and instead of sending them to ALC or suspending them, we gave them something different—something that would help them think differently,” Laura explained. “It’s about rewiring their thinking rather than just punishing them.”

LiveSchool’s flexibility allows Laura to implement creative solutions for behavior and attendance management. For instance, students who need corrective guidance might be assigned tasks like writing appreciation notes to peers and teachers, while others might be recognized with special rewards for improved attendance. This approach not only addresses immediate issues but also promotes positive interactions and helps build a stronger school community.

A Message to Fellow Educators

“If I could put up a billboard for every assistant principal in the country, it would say that all behavior is communicating something. We need to look beyond the surface and really understand our students,” Laura said.

Laura Spiegel’s work at Beasley Elementary, supported by LiveSchool, demonstrates the profound impact of combining empathy with technology. By using LiveSchool to track and reward behavior and attendance, running an engaging reward store with a strategic schedule, and including exciting incentives like the giant teddy bear, Laura and her team have created a school environment where positive behavior and regular attendance are recognized, and every student’s needs are addressed.

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The Liveschool Team
 

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