Understanding the Student of the Month Award
The Student of the Month award is a recognition program used by many elementary, middle, and high schools to celebrate individual learners who demonstrate outstanding effort, character, or academic growth during a specific month. Rather than focusing solely on grades, most programs consider a blend of attitudes, participation, improvement, and contributions to the school community. This broader view helps motivate a wider range of students and reinforces the idea that success can be measured in many ways.
Historical Roots and Educational Philosophy
While the exact origin of the monthly student recognition tradition is difficult to pinpoint, the concept aligns with early 20th‑century progressive education ideas that emphasized positive reinforcement and the development of the whole child. Educators such as John Dewey advocated for schools to notice and nurture personal strengths, not just academic performance. Over time, many districts adopted formal “Student of the Month” rituals as a low‑cost, high‑impact way to build school climate.
In some communities, the award is linked to broader civic values. For example, a video about Thurgood Marshall — the first African American Supreme Court Justice — has been used in classrooms to discuss fairness, perseverance, and leadership. Teachers may reference Marshall’s legacy when explaining why a particular student’s actions exemplify the qualities the award seeks to honor.
Common Selection Criteria
Schools typically publish a short rubric that guides teachers and staff in nominating candidates. Although specifics vary, the following elements appear frequently:
- Academic effort: Consistent completion of assignments, willingness to ask questions, and visible improvement in subject areas.
- Citizenship and behavior: Demonstrating respect, responsibility, and kindness toward peers and adults.
- Leadership and initiative: Taking on roles such as classroom helper, club organizer, or peer mentor.
- Growth mindset: Showing resilience after setbacks and a desire to learn from mistakes.
- Community involvement: Participating in school service projects, extracurricular activities, or local volunteer work.
Some schools also consider attendance and punctuality as baseline expectations, recognizing that regular presence supports learning opportunities.
Implementation at Eastwood Elementary School
Eastwood Elementary School, located in Morgantown, West Virginia, partners with the City of Morgantown through a “Partner in Education” initiative. This collaboration brings municipal resources — such as library access, after‑school programs, and community‑service opportunities — into the school setting
