Dynamic Dragon Initiative

The photo above is East CLC Academy Principal Kristy Campell and Phoenix Valentine, a senior in the Welding Pathway. Phoenix was recognized for being a "remarkable student."

Being called to the principal’s office is no longer a sign of bad news or some form of punishment. Sometimes, the visit turns out to be rewarding.

The Dynamic Dragon Initiative at East CLC is the school’s administrative staff's way of recognizing students for many things that might fly under the radar.

Students are being recognized for improvement in behavior, effort, academics or personal growth.

“They are the students who might not be recognized academically at award ceremonies but who are working hard and making improvements every day,” said Brittainy Kuhn, academy principal at East. “I want students to look at the principal’s office as a place they can feel welcome and supported.”

Intervention Specialist Ashley Forte said the incentive has really taken off. “It has boosted morale in the school. The students are recognized for doing a good job, and they don’t see it coming.”

Forte said there is no minimum or maximum number of students who are being recognized. The recommendations come from teachers.

“The administrative staff strives to make positive connections with students while also having high expectations,” Kuhn said. “Inviting them down to share positive affirmations with them from their teachers helps us keep those connections.”

The rewards vary. Sometimes, it is snacks or Fire Cash -- the school’s token economy that students can earn by displaying positive behaviors under the banner of REPS (Respectful, Effort, Preparedness, Safety) -- as well as gym, library or pep rally passes. 

On this particular day, Phoenix Valentine, a senior, was recognized.

“Phoenix is truly a remarkable student,” said Kristy Campbell, Bridgestone Academy principal. “It just felt like Phoenix needed to be highlighted by our academy. She has received three certifications in her Welding Pathway here at East. She is enrolled in the Marines (leaving June 17 for Boot Camp). She is the Commanding Officer, Drill Team Commander and Color Guard Commander for JROTC. She is just a great kid.”

 Phoenix chose a snack as a reward. 

“I always call home to let the families know that their student is recognized, and we always mail the certificates home,” Campbell said. “They always appreciate a phone call sharing good news with them.”

Other kids get recognized for more specific things -- helping a new student find a class, exceptional participation or effort in class, or just being thoughtful. Bernard Jennings, who is in the Automotive Pathway, was recommended by his teacher Linda Loya.

“Bernard is a hard-working student who stays on task to get his work done in my class,” she said. “He is also thoughtful and helps put up chairs at the end of the day.” 

Carter Moore-Evans, a 12th-grader, was recognized by Ashley Forte for his effort. “If I could nominate Carter for all the elements, I would. He has greatly improved in all areas.” Carter is in the Marketing and Entrepreneurship Pathway.

Earnest Pruiett, a junior, was recognized for his effort by Kristen Husted, social studies teacher. "Earnest is making a good, solid effort to attempt and complete all assignments. He is communicating well and asking for help when needed. I’m very proud of him and his effort.” Earnest is also in the Marketing and Entrepreneurship Pathway.

The program is constantly being tweaked based on teacher and student feedback. That is why Campbell suggested the most recent added piece of sending an email, calling home or sending a certificate home with the students to share with their parents so that parents will know of their good deeds as well.

“I have received amazing feedback from students who are working to 'get back to my office' for this positive affirmation,” Kuhn said. “When they walk in, sometimes they are apprehensive to be called to the principal’s office; but, when I explain why they are there, they just light up. It is the best part of my day.”

This photo shows Academy Principal Brittainy Kuhn and Carter Moore-Evans, a senior in the Marketing Pathway. He was recognized for his "effort and working hard his senior year."

This photo shows Academy Principal Brittainy Kuhn and Tate Portnick, a junior in the Hospitality Pathway. He was nominated for "working hard and being a great addition to the building." He just enrolled at East CLC.