October is National Principals Month, an opportunity to recognize school principals for their significant impact on the success and well-being of our nation’s students. We honor our Washougal principals by highlighting specific projects or work going on in their school that they are proud of.
The very first and only principal ever of Columbia River Gorge Elementary, Tracey MacLachlan is very proud of their Awesome Otter reward tickets and Awesome Otter Store which supports rewarding positive behavior. The program recognizes students who are being safe, responsible, respectful, and kind.
“Students follow common area behavior expectations and collect Awesome Otter tickets where they can redeem them at the store,” she explained. “There is a variety of reward items at each grade level to incentivize positive behavior.” Examples include using a special writing tool for the day for 5 points, taking a music break is 10 points, for 20 points a student can pick the class’s read aloud book, 50 will allow you to wear PJs to school and for 100 you can each lunch with a school counselor or principal.
All staff can hand out Awesome Otters and are encouraged to do so. “We really emphasize the team approach recognizing that all students are a part of the CRGE community of learners,” she said. “Our Positive Behavioral Interventions Support (PBIS) team meets regularly to go over where we see challenges and where we see celebrations in regard to student behavior.”
CRGE students take the collection of Awesome Otter tickets very seriously and are so proud of themselves when they receive recognition. “Although the start to this school year has been challenging, it is clear our students want to be at school full time, they work hard each and every day and want to be a part of CRGE,” said Tracey. “I am so proud of the entire team at CRGE…they persevere on behalf of students each day!”
