Bechtel Elementary’s challenge coin tradition recognizes positive actions
Okinawa, Japan – In military-connected communities, challenge coins are very much a part of the culture. It’s a tradition that recognizes exceptional acts and achievements – a tradition Bechtel Elementary School has fully embraced.
What started as an idea brought forward by staff during the continuous school improvement planning process three years ago has blossomed into a school-wide initiative that promotes positivity and encourages students to display positive behavior, teamwork, leadership, and kindness during the school day.
“One thing I love about this team is they’re constantly thinking about ways that we can make Bechtel better, constantly thinking about ways we can promote a positive culture,” said Bechtel Principal Scott Tefft. “In one of our Continuous Improvement meetings, I was sharing how a lot of times the behaviors that get recognized are the ones we don't want repeated, and sometimes the kids that get the most attention in class are the kids that are making poor choices.”
Challenge coins have flipped the script at Bechtel, recognizing students for making positive behavior choices throughout the school, including the cafeteria, hallways, recess, and specials.
“We were talking about what are the areas of the school where we want to see improvement,” he continued. We talked about navigating the hallways. We talked about lunchtime behavior. And so, I'll go to the cafeteria, and I'll say, ‘Wow, look at Ms. Senter's class. You guys are doing a great job. You're staying in your seats. You're keeping your voices down. Ms. Senter’s class, you're getting a challenge coin.’
“If I'm walking through the hall and I see a class doing a great job navigating the hallway, I'll say, ‘You guys are amazing. I'm going to give you a Mr. Tefft challenge coin.’ And they get really excited about that,” Tefft continued.
Tefft always carries a stash of “Mr. Tefft” challenge coins in his pocket – round, laminated pieces of paper with a graphic featuring a Tefft-inspired bulldog in the center. Visit Bechtel Elementary and you’d be hard pressed to find an educator without a stash of their personalized bulldog challenge coins on hand, prepared to recognize classes exhibiting consistent positive behavior, showing respect, following expectations, helping others, or demonstrating the Bulldog Pride pledge in action.
Individual students can also earn challenge coins for being “Caught in the Act” of going above and beyond expectations.
Collecting challenge coins comes with rewards – teachers display the challenge coins their classes have earned on a board at the entrance of their classrooms. Once every square on the board is filled, the PTO provides the class with a special celebration. Teachers can also set smaller class goals, creating mini rewards to encourage positive behavior.
A Positive Behavior Support System aligned with DoDEA’s strategic initiative goal of strengthening Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) as outlined in the agency’s Blueprint for Continuous Improvement, challenge coins have been incredibly successful at Bechtel, with Tefft sharing there have been fewer office referrals since implementing the initiative.
“It nurtures a positive school culture where every student is seen, valued, and motivated to grow – advancing the Blueprint’s goals of student success, school excellence, and continuous improvement,” Tefft said. “The Blueprint emphasizes academic excellence, student well-being, and resilience. Challenge coins reinforce these priorities by motivating students to make positive choices, persevere through challenges, and contribute to a safe, caring, and supportive learning environment.”
