Eudora Middle School students have the opportunity to shop for candy, fidget toys, shirts, water bottles and more before school at the Middle School’s SOAR Store.
But there’s a catch. They have to earn SOAR Bucks by following expectations in the classroom.
The SOAR expectations stand for safe, outstanding, accountable and respect. Middle school counselor and sponsor of the project, Michelle Plegge, said tracking the paper money is a way to keep the students responsible.
This week, students got to cash in their pretend money. The occasion only comes twice a month, and excitement filled the halls before school even began.
Middle schoolers from all grades showed up bright and early Friday to claim their prizes.
Faith Pitts said she has learned how to decipher wants and needs by purchasing items from the store.
“I think it can teach you about saving up money and trying to think about what you want versus what you need,” Pitts said. “There is some stuff you could actually use for stuff you need, like the soap.”
Plegge thinks this project is an important way to give students positive behavior support.
“There’s lots of cool things that it teaches,” Plegge said. “It also teaches them a little bit of money management, how to save money if they see something that’s a top shelf item.”
Everyone in the building can hand out these bucks, including bus drivers, administration, support staff and teachers.
Eighth grade student ambassadors can apply to be store employees through an application and interview. For the past few years, ambassadors have been in charge of stocking the store and have creative control over what goes in it.
Student ambassador Eli Giffin thinks the SOAR Store has taught him leadership and practical skills.
“It teaches me leadership skills and how to get out of my comfort zone and help others that need to be helped,” he said.
The store items are provided by parent donations, the Eudora Schools Foundation and other district organizations. This year, students can purchase coupons to have lunch with teachers, homework and tardy passes or other special privileges.
Reach reporter Sara Maloney at [email protected]
