How Holy Redeemer Turned 2,000 Points into a Middle School Block Party
Toys didn’t interest Holy Redeemer’s middle schoolers, and passes got old. So the school built the reward they actually wanted: a spring Block Party with gaming trucks and glow-in-the-dark laser tag, open to every student who earns 2,000 points.
“They can use their left-over points to buy drinks/snacks during the event. That keeps them wanting to continue to earn points even if they have already purchased their MS Block Party ticket.”
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When Toys Stopped Working
Holy Redeemer’s reward store was stocked with toys, and the middle schoolers weren’t interested. That made sense for their age. The school switched to passes and created a ton of them, but before long those got old too.
Instead of guessing at the next prize, the team paid attention to what their oldest students actually wanted.
A Reward Worth Saving For
The answer was the Middle School Block Party, held each spring in April or May. To attend, a middle schooler has to earn 2,000 LiveSchool points and use them to buy a ticket.
That turns a single reward into a goal students work toward all year. Every point a teacher gives in the fall is a step toward the party in the spring.
What 2,000 Points Gets You
The Block Party is built for middle schoolers:
- Two gaming trucks
- Glow-in-the-dark laser tag
- A glow-in-the-dark dance party
- A snow cone station
- Volleyball and basketball
- An afternoon 7th vs. 8th grade basketball game, with 6th graders cheering from the stands
- Tattoo and glow-in-the-dark face painting stations
Points That Keep Working
Buying a ticket doesn’t end the incentive. Students can spend any leftover points on drinks and snacks during the event, so even students who already have their ticket keep earning.
Built Around Student Feedback
Holy Redeemer adjusts the party every year. One year they added indoor mini golf, and students were bored halfway through, so it didn’t come back. Each year the team tunes the lineup to what students enjoy, and so far, last year’s party was the best one yet.
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