Teachers and administrators at Columbia Elementary School have initiated a reward system, “Fun Day Friday”.

Any student can earn the weekly privilege by perfect attendance (excluding illness or emergencies), no tardiness, having materials and work for class and good behavior in class, hallways, bathrooms, physical education field and cafeteria, Principal Mark McCrory said.

“Columbia PTA is very excited to introduce this program to our students, teachers and parents this year,” PTA president Piper Moore said.

Fun Day Friday reinforces expectations that any school has for its students. “It’s not driven by grades. The simplicity of playing outside for an extra 30 minutes let’s the children know we appreciate what they’re doing,” Moore said.

Most poor behavior occurs at “non-instructional times,” like the cafeteria and bus, McCrory said.

Each Friday, PTA members set up separate locations on campus for grades K-2, 3-4 and 5-6 with age-appropriate activities. “One of the favorites with third- and fourth-graders has been a volleyball game with teachers,” Moore said.

Students can visit a snack station and pay $1 for Rice Krispie treats, fruit snacks, fruit Popsicles or Annie’s crackers. They play Frisbee and kickball, jump rope or draw with sidewalk chalk. By mid-week, students ask about this week’s snack choices.

“On Friday, you can see on their faces how excited they are. Seeing the children walk down the hallways on Friday afternoon with smiles on their faces and knowing they’re being rewarded for hard work and good behavior reminds us why positive reinforcement is so important,” Moore said.

McCrory encourages parents to attend. “Our teachers are involved in the outdoor activities, which the children love,” Moore said. McCrory may pitch a football, or assistant principal Brett Chapman may start a soccer game.

Proceeds from concession sales will fund an end-of-year celebration for students who earned a fun Friday all year.

Supportive of Fun Day Friday, Columbia teachers and staff have seen a decrease in behavioral issues brought to the principals.

Parents are commenting “on how much their children love coming to school this year,” she said.

To volunteer with Columbia PTA, visit cespta.org.