Bush Elementary School offers students an opportunity to cash in their “Bush Bucks” for a number of experiences: including a basketball game with teacher Jay Grann.

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” for demonstrating respectful, responsible, and peaceful behaviors. They can then spend these hard-earned bucks at the school store — where the most sought-after items aren’t just trinkets but unique experiences that create lasting memories.

“Our Tier 1 committee and some other staff members have come up with ideas, and students have had input as well,” explained Jay Grann, Bush School’s teacher on special assignment, explained. “We also change items from time to time based on what’s popular.”

Some experiences have emerged as clear favorites among students.

“Lunch bunches with the principal or counselors are very popular,” Grann noted. “Trike rides are a big purchase, and ‘being Mr. Grann’s assistant is another favorite.”

Beyond offering fun incentives, the PBIS system and school store play a crucial role in reinforcing positive behavior and fostering engagement.

“Students buy into the idea that being respectful, responsible, and peaceful helps make the school a safe place,” Grann said. “They see the benefits of earning Bush Bucks for making good choices, which they can then turn into amazing purchases at the school store.”

The positive reinforcement is also widespread: students who receive these incentives are featured on the daily announcements. Students also play a role in shaping the store’s evolving inventory and the PBIS Tier 1 committee also tries to update the “items” available for purchase on a regular basis.

“We talk with students to find out what interests them, and we pay attention to trends,” Grann explained. “Some items are staples, while others can be adjusted based on what motivates students.”

The experiences have even included well-known trends.

“During the viral dance craze a few years back, two third-grade students were extremely excited to buy a TikTok dance with me,” Grann said. “They saved up and kept telling me how close they were getting to the 100 Bush Bucks mark. When the day finally arrived to record the dance, they smiled ear-to-ear knowing all of Bush School would see me doing the latest trendy dance. It was a ton of fun, and they were so proud of what they had earned.”

Bush School Principal Kate Benson explained that the store’s setup is just “one way we celebrate and encourage positive behavior and giving students the chance to exchange their hard-earned Bush Bucks for fun and memorable experiences.”

“Whether it’s a trike ride, a lunch bunch, or bringing a buddy along for an activity, we hope that providing these moments as an incentive for being respectful, responsible, and safe make school an exciting and rewarding place to be,” she added.