Woodbridge Middle School, faculty, and Principal Panko have implemented a new program called the Warrior Way system.  It encourages students to behave positively by using Warrior Bucks, which can be cashed in for prizes.

Mr. Panko, WMS’s new principal, stated that it’s been around Woodbridge Middle School for a long time.  He decided to bring it back because he “always listens to [his] teachers.”

He explained how earning one is about going above and beyond what is normally expected of students, “Whether that be helping someone out, doing something extra in class, making sure to do stuff in the hallway or the cafeteria that shows you’re going above and beyond to help someone else out,” he said.

A 7th grade student, Meher Bhela, discussed how students can be motivated.  She said if students “have prizes and stuff” people will be motivated to do the right thing and go “above and beyond.”

Panko came up with a similar case, stating “they see other students doing it and earning prizes or see what they could earn from there and then they say ‘you know what, maybe I can do something above and beyond!’”

Bhela explained that even something small like completing a project a week in advance can earn students a warrior buck and a good reputation amongst their teachers.

Ms. Douglas, one of the faculty in charge of the system has a great example of positive behavior performed by students, “A student was out sick for several days. When this student returned, another student offered the student who was out a copy of her notes so that way she didn’t fall behind. I didn’t even ask her,” she explained. To Mrs. Douglas, that student is an example of “what a Warrior is.”

Douglas further stated that students who have received a Warrior Buck are excited and surprised. “I’ve noticed a continued show of support and kindness both inside and outside of the classroom,” she said.