At Streetsboro Elementary School (SES), success comes in many forms. Every month, students who exemplify the school’s values are recognized through the Rocket Awards and PAX Awards. These celebrations shine a light on both academic growth and positive behavior, reinforcing the belief that every student can thrive when effort and kindness are encouraged.
Rocket Award Recipients are honored for their strong academic work ethic, growth, and achievement. PAX Award winners are recognized for demonstrating exceptional character and behavior. Together, the two honors help shape a well-rounded culture of learning and respect.
“Teachers monitor the students’ academics and behaviors each week,” said SES Principal Gwen Abraham. “Many of them work with students to set individual goals to grow in both of those areas.”
PAX Awards tie directly to the school’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) system. Each classroom establishes “PAX Visions,” a shared set of expectations that describe what positive behaviors look like, sound like, and feel like. “This helps everyone work together to create a positive and successful learning community,” said Abraham.
When award winners are announced, the excitement fills the room. Students cheer for their classmates as names are called, and entire grade levels often join in chanting to celebrate their peers. Friends rush to offer high-fives and hugs, while teachers capture the moment on video to share with the families.
These moments go beyond simple recognition, reinforcing perseverance, empathy, and teamwork among the students. “This monthly celebration helps us acknowledge the great things kids do at school,” said Abraham. “It also helps children learn how to be happy for the success of others and to handle occasional disappointment. In the end, we all win.”
The school’s PTA plays a key role in fostering this positive environment by organizing PAX parties complete with games, prizes, and fun activities when the schoolwide goals are met. “Our parents truly are partners in educating and celebrating the growth of children in our community,” said Abraham.
For Abraham and the entire SES staff, these celebrations are more than moments of just celebration, they also reflect the school’s commitment to student growth. “We want children to know that we see the great things that they do,” said Abraham. “As we tell them every day, ‘We are here to be the most amazing and intelligent young ladies and gentlemen that we are destined to be.’”