The Rotary Club of Poplar Bluff has made a $1,500 donation to Lake Road Elementary, renewing its long-term partnership over the Good Habits Store, established during the 2012/13 school year.
“Thank you for your continued support that has meant such a big deal to our school for over 10 years,” said Lake Road Principal Rondi Vaughn on Wednesday, Sept. 20, during Rotary’s weekly luncheon at Colton’s Annex. “It’s a huge incentive for our students especially with attendance being such a hurdle, post-Covid. But with our little ones, we find it is not about punishment; we need to incentivize.”
Lake Road students, grades 1-6, accumulate points for perfect attendance and behavior, and can save them up to spend in a makeshift store in the gymnasium stocked with snacks, clothing, school supplies and small gift items, according to Vaughn.
Steve Hicks, Rotary Club president, noted that the Good Habits Store has remained one of the civic organization’s primary philanthropic endeavors. He pointed out how, since its opening, members have witnessed the elementary school make a “big turnaround” academically, most notably being named a 2018 National Blue Ribbon School, the highest honor a U.S. educational institution can achieve.
“Not saying that’s because of us, of course,” said Hicks, chief operating officer for Smith & Co. Engineers, “but it definitely gives kids something to be excited about to do better.”
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Cutline: Lake Road Elementary School Principal Rondi Vaughn accepts a donation from Rotary Club President Steve Hicks on Wednesday, Sept. 20, at Colton’s Annex.