Kindergarten students at Liberty Arts Magnet School show off their Spartan Bucks, which are earned through good behavior. Mackenzi Klemann/The Lima News LIMA — Signs around Liberty Arts Magnet ...

It's tempting to focus on correcting your child's unwanted behaviors, but positive reinforcement – rewarding appropriate behaviors – may be more effective.

At Bush Elementary School, students are discovering that good behavior pays off—literally. Through the school’s PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) system, students earn “Bush Bucks” ...

Star charts are useful for reinforcing positive behaviors, such as brushing their teeth or having a day without incidents at school.

Students who show positive behaviors are rewarded with Patriot “Bucks,” which can be cashed in for prizes or saved for use at the carnival. A ticket to the event cost students 15 Patriot Bucks.

The celebration is part of the school's positive behavior support program. It rewards students with "Bulldog Bucks" for being positive, respectful, safe and responsible at school.

The Valders Schools have embarked on initiatives meant to increase student engagement, decrease discipline issues, and promote positive school culture and social/emotional well-being.

Principal David Haberman is optimistic the rewards system will change the culture at Liberty by promoting good behavior, rather than simply punishing the bad.