Reduce Tardiness with a Tardy Queen

In the September 4th edition of Principal Matters, we asked for feedback on boosting attendance. Kathryn Page, Principal from Orcas Island, sent in this cool idea. Got other cool ideas? I'd love to hear them – shoot me an email at scott@awsp.org.

At Orcas Island Elementary school, we implemented a system to decrease tardies and tracked our data over the 2013-2014 school year. We had a 44% decrease in tardies by implementing our system. Our program is called "Beat the Bell." At our monthly assembly we recognize the two classrooms with the least number of tardies. When the teacher's name is called, fun music is played, and the teacher dances to the front of the assembly where he or she kneels down and is "crowned" with an actual crown. Who crowns the teacher? A Tardy Queen. 

We have someone who dresses like a queen and attends every assembly. She enters the gym to "Here She Comes, Miss America" music on the arm of a community leader who has a message for our students. She crowns our teachers when they are announced. Pictures are taken and posted in the newsletter and on a special bulletin board in the main hallway. Our "Tardy Queen" was even featured in a parade this summer on Orcas Island. She was given a prize for her creativity. 

As a school, we are implementing PBIS and this is part of it. I implemented this program when I was a principal in Arizona and had tremendous results. It doesn't cost a thing! Parents love it and attend the monthly assemblies to witness the fun. Our 6th graders won every month but one. What a tremendous habit for them to have….being punctual. I would be happy to speak to anyone about it. Thank you!

Kathryn Page, Principal and SPED Director
Orcas Island School District

"Be the change you wish to see in the world"