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Illustration by Jason Ford; Debate photos courtesy of families

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Should Kids Get Rewards for Going to School?

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Going to school can pay off for kids at Featherstone Elementary in Virginia. 

The school holds attendance challenges. If kids go to school every day during a challenge, they can win prizes like a pet goldfish or pajama day!

The challenges work. Absences at Featherstone dropped last year. Many other schools also offer rewards to get kids to go to class. 

But others believe that getting a good education should be reward enough. Plus, they say, kids shouldn’t expect prizes for something they’re supposed to do anyway. 

Here’s what two of our readers think.

Attendance rewards aren’t fair. Kids don’t choose when they get sick. Rewards might encourage kids go to school even when they’re sick. That could get other kids and teachers sick too. Some kids miss school for family emergencies or special events. My brother is in the robotics club. He missed school for a tournament. But I think he should still get a reward for attendance. 

Perfect attendance deserves to be rewarded. Prizes are fun and encourage kids to go to school. I always try to show up to class every day. But not all kids can do that. Schools should offer rewards for each month in addition to the big yearly one. If kids can’t get perfect attendance for one month, they’ll still be excited to try to get it the next time. 

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