But there is a catch to this bonus system. This reward system is new this quarter because Neugass' father is trying to encourage him to get better grades. Although Neugass believes that the system is reasonable, he doesn't believe he will be able to profit from it. I agree with it, but I don't think I'll do too well under this system, because I'm on an irreversible path. Neugass is among many students who are rewarded or punished for their grades.
Rewards range from a parent's pat on the back to large monetary sums.
The punishments can also often involve restrictions on a student's driving, telephone, or television privileges. Guidance counselor Alice Timmins says that after such a reward system is removed, students fall back into their old work patterns. Timmins also says that highly motivated students are not affected by reward systems. Being grounded isn't the only repercussion from a bad report card. Freshman Casey Minnick was scheduled to swim the 100-yard breaststroke in the Junior Olympics on a Friday during school hours.