Recently, Preuss introduced a new system to their students. This system rewards students with Lighting Passes, which are given when a student shows the Preuss way. For example, by doing an outstanding assignment, helping others around campus or class, or picking up trash around the campus. The rewards from earning the pass is that they can be used to skip the lunch line. If a student happens to save 3 though, then they can redeem it for a chance of winning Chick-Fil-A, In-N’-Out, or Chipotle. These new lighting passes are a good idea because it has encouraged students to focus more on doing the right thing, instead of mindlessly being self-centered, or getting caught up in poor behaviors.
Some might believe that Lighting Passes are not beneficial because they rely on rewards too much. They may argue that students should do the right thing without expecting anything in return, and that rewarding students takes away the true responsibility and that this could lead to students only doing the right thing when there’s rewards included instead of building responsibility. Although this is a concern, Lighting passes help students develop positive habits, which can become natural overtime.
To begin,Lightning Passes are good because they motivate students. Small rewards like skipping the line lunch can push students to try harder throughout the day and stay more focused on their work. This gives students a clear reason to do positive actions, even when they feel miniscule or unimportant, because there is something they hope to earn from it. Over time, this helps students build better habits like turning in work on time, being responsible, and paying more attention in class.
Another reason Lighting Passes are beneficial is because they provide deserved leisures for students. For example, being able to skip the lunch line saves time and makes lunch less time consuming and tedious. Also, being able to save your passes and trade them in for Chick-Fil-A and other restaurants gives students a better meal to look forward to, compared to the options Preuss offers. These rewards are more than earned by our students, as they spend countless hours, day in and day out, to accomplish the “Preuss Promise.”
Finally, Lighting Passes help create a more positive school environment. When one student sees their classmates and friends get rewarded for their good behavior, it also encourages them to follow and act the same way and begins a chain reaction. This overall would help the school behave more respectfully and less negatively, due to students focusing on doing the right thing rather than just causing trouble.
Overall the new system of Lighting Passes is good due to it encouraging students to be enabling responsible and motivating behaviors, and a more positive environment at school for everyone. Even though the rewards are simple, it has a big impact on how students act.
