Gold Card System Creates Culture of Leadership at Syracuse STEM at Blodgett
They jump to the front of the entry search line as they enter school each morning. They skip to the front of the lunch line each day in the cafeteria.They flash their gold card, attached to a lanyard around their neck or on their backpack, and suddenly they’ve achieved VIP status.
“All it costs us is character,” Syracuse STEM at Blodgett 7th grader Aubrielle Palmer explained. “We just have to get good grades, have good attendance, and demonstrate good behavior!”
Last year, Syracuse STEM at Blodgett staff piloted a ‘gold card system,’ offering students an incentive program in which students earned rewards of increasing value as they attained more elite status levels. The program was so successful that this year, it has expanded to add an additional status level, even more desirable rewards, and – most importantly – increased schoolwide buy-in.
“It has genuinely transformed the feeling in the building,” School Psychologist Kayla Gallagher shared.
All students start the year as blue card holders. If they encounter discipline problems or other issues, their card can be revoked. Alternatively, every five weeks, they are able to apply for a gold card. To qualify, they must have at least 90% attendance, be passing at least 75% of their classes, and be following general rules and procedures of the school. Two teachers must also sign off on their application, vouching that they are gold card material.
“I want to go to Niagara Falls this year,” 8th grader Jona Sanchez shared. “I just applied for the gold card… that’s my first step. The card system helps me focus better and get done what I need to do. I want the incentives, so I have to work hard, focus, and participate.”
If approved, gold card holders receive a cold card, a yellow lanyard, and are invited to be pulled out of class twice a month for their incentives, which may be watching movies, enjoying popcorn, playing outside or spending time in the school gym.
“Last year, I was struggling,” 8th grader Sam Pitts said. “This year, I’m trying to get to class on time, be a leader, and be someone the 6th graders can look up to. The card system motivates me to go after it – to do more to get my education.”
Beginning in November, gold card holders were eligible to apply for platinum cards – if they are passing all of their classes with good grades and if they are on merit roll. They must also show that they have completed five hours of community service – which can include cleaning up the school cafeteria after lunch, helping teachers organize their room, distributing food bank donations to families, and more. The increased status comes with additional expectations, but also double the incentives – including monthly field trips to places like Wonder Works.
And come January, students with platinum status can apply for a black card – elite status! After completing ten hours of community service and meeting the academic and behavioral requirements, students must also sit for an interview with a committee of staff. This year’s black card holders will be treated to an all expenses paid trip to Niagara Falls at the end of the year, as well as a custom jacket with their name on it. Last year’s group enjoyed a trip to SeaBreeze, dinner at Kitty Hoynes, and more.
“The trips are definitely the best part,” 8th grader Gio Thomas said. “The card system benefits me because I’m able to do more than just be in class all day. At the same time, it keeps me in class, because I want to be able to participate in the special events! It helps me make better choices.”
The 18 current Syracuse STEM at Blodgett students who had achieved black status by the end of last school year started this year with an added perk: starting at gold status right of the bat. Should they earn black status again by the end of the school year, they’ll get sweatpants to go along with their hoodie – with the goal of next year rewarding three-time black status holders with Nike shoes!
“I just want the sweatpants!” 7th grader Logan Files exclaimed. “The incentives make me want to push myself to the limit. The higher my status, the more rewards I get – and I really want to go to Niagara Falls this year and take some pictures by the falls!”
In addition to School Psychologist Ms. Gallagher and Dean of Students Mr. Crisafulli, the school attendance coordinator, Diversity Equity and Belonging (DEB) lead, and other staff all work together to plan incentives and make sure they are offering all they can throughout the building without overlapping benefits. Students with gold or platinum status can receive a homework pass; and black card holders don’t need a hall pass.
“A lot of kids already this year have vocalized that they have stayed out of fights because they want their gold card,” Ms. Gallagher shared. “It’s really great. So often, kids get promised things and then there is no follow through – so the kids get discouraged. We work really hard to make sure that every thing they are promised… happens. Seeing the follow through and consistency is what makes our students buy in. Some of our kids who used to linger in the hallways are now going to class before they want to be a part of the excitement… it’s been a mind shift for our kids.”
We’re so proud of the Syracuse STEM at Blodgett students who are working hard to make the right choices – and the committed staff who are supporting them through these initiatives!
