Being Respectful, Responsible, Safe, and Productive. These are the school values of Octavia E. Butler Middle School and the values that students are encouraged to strive for. Patricia Fontenot-Hughes, a passionate member of OEB staff, wanted to back that encouragement with a more tangible reward for students. She saw the hard work and effort they put in every day and wanted the students to be proud of all that they do. With that, Bear Bucks and the Mobile Bear Store were born.
Bear Bucks are OEB’s Positive Incentive Program. When a student embodies the OEB principles they’re rewarded with Bear Bucks, a currency that they can spend at the Mobile Bear Store. Using her PEF Teacher Grant, Hughes makes sure the small pop-up store is well stocked with goodies that the students love. Snacks, puzzles, stationery, and stuffed animals are some of the wares students could spend their Bear Bucks on.
The Mobile Bear Store and the Bear Bucks programs are a major success. As Hughes describes it the combination has had an extraordinary impact on OEB’s school culture and climate. Bear Bucks have motivated students, leading to improved academic performance, enhanced classroom behavior, and greater student engagement. Hughes is excited to continue growing the Mobile Bear Store and Bear Bucks program at OEB, encouraging student success in a fun new way.
