So students started trooping in carrying notes saying an adult had noticed a change in their behavior or better work on school assignments. Maybe they had finished a hard book, done a kind deed, or simply been a good kid who did what was expected. I had a big home-made book I called the Good Kids Book on display in the office. When the kids were sent in, they signed this book with big colored markers. Then I gave them a penny to get some jelly beans I kept in an old gum machine.
Parents are usually afraid of any call from the school, especially from the principal.
Their past experience was that such calls meant a child was hurt, sick, or in trouble. A Seattle television station even came over and did a special on it. I always got through to parents, even when a secretary had to interrupt a parent in a meeting. One time I couldn t get a student s parents at home or work. The little guy suggested I call his grandma.