ARKANSAS CITY — At Arkansas City High School, a simple idea is helping build stronger connections between students and staff.
Each day at lunch, students gather around a building administrator for a chance to spin a prize wheel. To play, they trade in a “Stone Bone” — a ticket earned earlier in the day for positive behavior.
While the wheel draws laughs and cheers, school officials say the real impact happens before students ever reach it.
Students earn Stone Bones when teachers notice something positive — working hard in class, helping a classmate or showing school pride.
“The goal was to create a system where teachers look for the good,” assistant principal Adam Dorsey said. “It’s based on our four cornerstones: attitude, effort, discipline and passion.”
The process is straightforward. Teachers hand out Stone Bones during the school day, and students redeem them at lunch for a spin. Prizes range from sports drinks and candy to school-themed items and occasional assignment passes.
More important than the rewards, Dorsey said, is the message behind them.
“It gives us a chance to tell students we see them and appreciate them,” he said. “It’s about positive reinforcement.”
The program is also growing. Staff handed out about 400 recognitions last year. This year, that number is approaching 600.
Students say the recognition — even for small actions — matters.
“Students love spinning that wheel,” senior Samantha Harader said. “It’s nice to be recognized, even for something small like holding a door or saying hello.” Continue below ad.
Principal Ryan Taylor said the effort is part of a broader focus on reinforcing positive behavior.
“We intentionally focus on what’s working and build from it,” Taylor said. “By recognizing positivity, celebrating kindness and highlighting how students support one another, we encourage broader engagement.”
At its core, the program is built on small, everyday moments — a quick hallway interaction, a few encouraging words in class or a spin of the prize wheel at lunch.
Together, those moments are helping students feel seen and valued while strengthening relationships across the school.
