Social Emotional points were brought to Sahuaro High School last year and piloted in only nine classes. According to Ms. Bradley, head of the new system, they decided to incorporate the points schoolwide this year, “…as a new PBIS system that was easy to manage, for both students and teachers.” To access your social-emotional points, you log in to your Student Vue account. From there you click MTSS either located towards the lower part of the drop box displayed if you are accessing with your phone, or on the bottom row of boxes via computer. Once you click MTSS, the number of points you currently have will be displayed. If you want to see who they came from or why you got them, scroll down and click “view report”. Students can earn social-emotional points for being kind/helping others, being respectful, being responsible, working diligently, and being communicative.

Students who excel and get the most points are also recognized and rewarded. At Sahuaro’s first varsity football game against Sabino, hardworking sophomore Samantha Benson, Sahuaro’s top earner at the time, was recognized and rewarded with a gift card. There are also other prizes you can win for maintaining different amounts of points. For 25 points you can win, snacks, fidget toys, mugs, cups, water bottles, and school supplies. For 75 points you can win all things SHS: Sahuaro attire, stickers, and tickets to sports games. Lastly, for 125 points you can win a $10 gift card to various local businesses. Ms. Bradley states, “Students are encouraged to show positive behavior both in and outside of the classroom.” I know some kids look at the system as “pointless” and “childish” but if there are no incentives put in place for the students, many wouldn’t want to do the right thing. I’ve witnessed students comparing points and making them into a competition, seeing who can get more. Sahuaro incorporating this new point system sheds more light on those positively behaving and impacting the school, which is amazing. It not only sheds light but serves as an incentive for everyone to do better. I mean, come on, who wouldn’t enjoy some free stuff?