Mrs. Monk presents Cassie M. with her certificate and Sweet Frog gift card.
Maressa Monk, Wallace Middle School’s Algebra Readiness teacher, came up with a neat way to teach a real-world skill while motivating students to exhibit good behavior. She began the “Balancing a Checkbook” activity as an incentive to motivate students in her class. They were given the responsibility of keeping their checkbook up-to-date with daily deposits for good behavior and attendance, and they calculated the balance for their checkbooks at least once a week and checked the accuracy of their calculations through their own Excel spreadsheet. In return for their good work ethic and behavior, students were rewarded with a gift card from Sweet Frog, a premium frozen yogurt company. If students failed to attempt their daily work or violated classroom rules, they were penalized with a withdrawal from their checking account. The students were excited about learning and for the opportunity to earn a sweet treat. Once their goal had been reached, their picture was taken upon receipt of the gift card. Mrs. Monk expressed her appreciation for the manager of Sweet Frog who generously donated the gift cards and supported this opportunity for students to learn an important real-life skill.