Linderman teaches systems of support
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
News from the Polson School District
POLSON — At Linderman Elementary, motivating students using positive systems of supports to reach their greatest potential is a top priority. One program that is happening is the Linderman school store. Students earn pirate tickets for being responsible, respectful, and safe and are then able to use their tickets to purchase items at the school store. There are items costing 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50 and even 100 tickets. Students can spend their tickets or save for big items. The items for the school store are gently used or new items that are donated to our Linderman office. When the school store is open there is a pirate flag flying high and excitement fills the air.
Students at Linderman are also motivated by our students in good standing celebrations. Students who complete homework and schoolwork and demonstrate good behavior choices participate in events such as popcorn parties, cookie making, hot cocoa and sledding, and more. Glacier Bank has been a wonderful partner with our school, helping to support some of these activities.
Another positive system of support at Linderman Elementary is Linderman Village. This is a micro-community where fourth grade students develop skills for real world application. Each classroom community has a set of jobs that students can apply for, including such positions as mayor, officers, bankers, accountants, etc. Students earn a weekly paycheck, in the form of Linderman bucks, for performing their job as a student as well as their position in their classroom community. In addition, students can earn Linderman Bucks by having a business in the fourth grade markets. Students can have a business where they sell goods or provide a service or students can just be shoppers. Some markets are just fourth grade, however sometimes the entire school is involved. Students in all grades are invited to bring in up to $5, which can be converted to Linderman Bucks at an exchange rate where one dollar equals four Linderman bucks. The all-school Christmas market is coming up on Dec. 22, and fourth graders are already starting to prepare their businesses for a huge number of shoppers. In the Linderman Village micro-community, students learn how to manage their own money, as they are required to fill out their income sheet, deposit money into their bank and manage their own funds. Rent, for their desk and locker, taxes, and fines are deducted from their weekly earnings. Fourth graders spend their money throughout the year at markets, at entertainment opportunities, and at fourth grade auctions. Some students save their money for auction time, as there are many items for purchase in an auction format which is exciting and, at times, competitive.
With our positive systems of support, we hope to give students goals to work toward in becoming the best learners they can be, while developing their skills of citizenship by fostering independence and responsibility.
