I do not have any issue with students being left out. How is it ok to not recognize a students great work and good grades because it will hurt someone else feelings? So it is ok to think of one students feelings and not the other? No more awards, not Super Bowl or NBA playoffs because they would recognize the "best" players.
My school does a rewards party for kids who basically don't get detentions. We have karaoke, octoball, a snack booth, and at each party we have a different activity. Some of the activities that we've done are talent shows, card games where we gamble with candy, photo scavenger hunts, gym olympics, big twister, candy walks, etc.
- Decorate your own cupcake or cookie party. You can get unfrosted cupcakes for .25 each at Stop and Shop/Giant (at least around here you can).
- Dance Party (maybe with glow sticks if you can make a room/gym dark enough during the day since that is when I assume you are doing it - also a great way to get some energy out!)
- Mini Luau with fruit skewers and fancy umbrella drinks (virgin, obviously)
- Could you give them a "No Homework" pass instead of an event?
- Pinata Party and maybe a Nacho Bar to go along with it - might need a couple pinatas depending on number of kids - but that could work out well b/c then they could be different heights for different grades
- Could you get a slushie/frozen ice truck to come by and kids get a treat from the truck (those are usually cheaper than an ice cream truck)
- If you take pics or video of each event throughout the year, you could have an end of year celebration for EVERY student who made honor roll and then give out popcorn and they watch the "movie" (or slide show) of their accomplishments throughout the year - and have their names scroll like move credits.
We have "Honor Roll" and then we also have "ON A ROLL." Honor Roll is self explanatory. On a roll is where teachers pick students who are improving, trying their best, working hard, etc.
