Comments from Teachers

Results from "Capturing the Keys" 2011 Survey 
Teachers reported the following...

I enjoy looking for opportunities to notice the positive.  It is so easy to hand out a key spontaneously rather than to fill out forms!

[The Keys] help build self-esteem and anyone can earn them.  Your grades are not the determining factor.  Students beam when they count their keys each month and realize that each key stands for something special they have done to earn those keys.

The program creates better and caring students.  They are more aware of their actions and choices they make.  Students are more motivated when completing class work and…the students are more caring towards one another.

[Does The Keys help with bullying?] I think it does.  The continued positive reinforcement increases the student’s dignity and self-worth thereby making them less inclined to tease others as a way of making them feel superior.

It’s an immediate reward for the children’s behavior.  I like the variety of keys – all with different meanings.  It’s a fun way to reward.  [It] teaches them also to save their keys for a bigger prize.

It is good to have something tangible to reward good behavior with – when it is special or outstanding.  It is more “concrete” method of reinforcing what is expected than only verbal rewards or remarks on a report card.

 [The program] forces teachers to find the positives in the students instead of just negative behavior.  Students who typically get attention for bad behavior really love to be praised and I think it helps improve their self-esteem.

My fourth graders have been in The Keys to Success program since kindergarten and they are a well-behaved class.  I would like to think that our use of the Keys has influenced their behavior and they are becoming good citizens for life.

[Does The Keys help with bullying?] Yes! I teach young children and they will work well together and treat each other with more respect.

I think the students are more aware of their actions.  The Keys program encourages and motivates students to try their hardest.

[Does The Keys help with bullying?] Yes, very much so.  I think the students are…most of the time, [aware] of their actions.  At times, they forget, but when they see a key given out, it reminds them to be more motivated or caring.

Any child that values keys – and most do – will figure out which actions will merit a key in my classroom.

I like being able to use the keys to reinforce positive and productive behaviors.  This helps inspire other students to practice the same desired behaviors.

I think the program helps reduce bullying.

[Does The Keys help with bullying?] Yes.  I think this promotes overall good behavior and better attitude toward students and faculty.

It is easy to use.  They show pride in the amount of keys that they collect between Key Store days.

Students thank me privately to show that they appreciated the key. – 7^th Grade Teacher

Other Comments from Teachers

“I have taught for many years and I’ve seen many “new programs” to build student character.  The Keys to Success is the first program that had immediate results in our classroom and students could refer to for the rest of their lives.  The basis of the program is as old as teaching itself, care about yourself and remember to extend to others.  The recipe for a successful life is found within the Keys program.”
-Alex Granda, Parkwood Elementary

“The Keys to Success program has been very helpful for my second graders.  By focusing on a special key each week, the children have a better understanding of what each key means and what they need to do to earn that particular key.  Since the second graders are just beginning to practice these concepts, they are extremely eager to please.  Having an incentive prize after they have earned so many keys is a wonderful reward.  Intrinsic satisfaction for the performance of these keys is far down the road for these 7-8 year olds, but the foundation has been laid by having this ‘Keys to Success’ program.”
-Mrs. Gunn, Saint Lawrence the Martyr

“The Keys to Success program has been a hit with the fourth graders.  Each week the students enthusiastically try to earn the key featured for that week.  Students are taking the program seriously.  When student effort or behavior is less than expected, getting the students back on track is facilitated by mentioning that a key could be earned.  I have seen my class respond positively to the goals of the program.  Thanks for a new tool to use in the classroom to build self-esteem and confidence.”
-Mrs. Hilgenbrink, Saint Lawrence the Martyr

“Thanks Frank, for your innovative Keys to Success program.  Our eight grade students not only thrive on receiving keys, but they also enjoy turning in names of others who show behaviors that deserve keys.  What a unique and positive method of ‘getting’ the behavior that shows students can develop into fine people.  I’d recommend this program for all schools.  Results are so positive!”
-Mrs. Simmons, Saint Lawrence the Martyr

“The program has not only helped my students with their academic performance but improved behavior as well”
-Deborah Russell, St. Vincent Children’s Home School

Anonymous Surveys given to Teachers in 2003:

Question # 1:  Did you use the program and would you like it continued?

Overwhelming “YES”   100% answered yes!

Question # 2:  What did you like about the program?

“It was a way to recognize positive behavior.  The testamonials and keys publications helped to raise expectations for good behavior.

“It seemed to help the kids really understand the meaning of Good Citizenship.”

“Students really felt honored when they were announced over the intercom with specific details of what they did to earn the award.”

“It’s a guide that tells students how they should act.”

Question #3:  Has classroom behavior improved due to the “Keys” program?

“Yes, my students are more courteous and responsible for their own behavior”

“Yes!  My students began giving out keys that they had earned to each other without even being asked.  One child gave another the key of Cooperation for helping him pick up some crayons!”

“Yes.  As part of our daily reflection, students wrote about their behavior and set goals for the following day.  Thank you for the “Keys!”

“Yes.  At first the kids would go out of their way to do something just for a key. Those kids didn’t understand the true purpose of the key.  Now they understandthat when they receive a key, it’s because they were doing good and developing good habits.”