San Antonio ISD reward stores reinforce positive learning habits

Students at Hirsch Elementary, Ogden Elementary and Tafolla Middle School are earning school currency and using it to shop at their campuses’ Habits of Success Stores every two weeks.

The incentive program connects shopping opportunities with the seven core values of Third Future Schools. Students can earn currency by arriving at school on time, respecting others, taking responsibility for their actions, preserving, striving for accuracy, doing their best and engaging positively with those around them.

Teachers use color-coded currency that varies by campus, including $1 bills, $5 bills and tickets. Administrators can award higher-value “Golden Tickets” for behaviors that demonstrate the Habits of Success. Students may spend their earnings during biweekly store visits or save for more expensive items, reinforcing math skills as they count money, budget and calculate discounts.

The stores offer snacks, custom school supplies such as pencils, pens and erasers, and tactile items including fidget toys and squishies. Some campuses also stock larger rewards, such as gaming headphones, for students who choose to save.

During a recent store day at Ogden Elementary, first graders lined up during elective time with zipper pouches containing their savings. School counselor Martha Ortega runs the store with principal Elizabeth Williams, helping students recount their money and plan purchases.

One first grader arrived with $57 and bought a LEGO poster for his mother. He said he earned the money during math for doing well and paying attention. Another student used $50 to buy a squishie, while another chose a notebook with an invisible ink pen.

Some students had saved more than $150. One student bought two items and kept $100 for a future purchase, showing how the stores encourage students to connect positive classroom behavior with saving and spending decisions.