The Reinforcing Positive Youth Program has been around for several years. The program is supported by the Community Action Team (CAT) of Harney County. In the past, students who met the criteria were taken to Desert Historic Theatre and Crystal Hot Springs at the end of the trimester. The criteria that they had to meet was to not have any detention referrals, no more than two tardies, and to pass all of their classes.

Last year, CAT decided to alter the program. School staff came up with five values that they wanted to recognize: Being respectful, having perseverance, being kind to others, being responsible, and being dependable. CAT would provide candy bars for students who exhibited these values. Originally, administrators were responsible for distributing these rewards, but, as we know, our administrators have many jobs and can’t always catch students doing good deeds.

In January 2020, a representative of CAT met with Burns High School staff to determine whether teachers would be willing to take on the task of recognizing students and giving out the candy bars. This would allow for immediate reinforcement of positive behaviors. Burns High School staff agreed and began recognizing students the first of February.

In the month of February, 26 kids were recognized for their good behavior. Each month, CAT will randomly draw a name from the students who were recognized. That student will receive a $25 gift card to a local business.

For the month of February, CAT would like to recognize Calvin Bates for upholding his school values. Bates was recognized for being “dependable.” He chose to receive a $25 gift card to Subway.