Seattle Public Schools

3515 Student Awards, Prizes and Incentives

The Seattle School Board recognizes and supports providing students with prizes or awards that meaningfully serve as incentives to increase academic achievement, promote civility and cultural awareness, encourage physical fitness, encourage participation in recreational activities, and encourage students to become responsible citizens, productive workers and lifelong learners.  The Board supports awarding incentives to recognize a student’s academic, social, leadership and athletic achievements. 

All incentives will support student achievement and the district’s curriculum, programs, extracurricular activities, or academic or attendance goals. Therefore, every student recipient will receive an incentive only if the activity relates to the primary mission and goal of the district to increase student academic achievement.  

District general funds may be used, within the limits provided in district policy and procedure, to provide student awards and incentives that meet the Board’s objective of increasing academic achievement.  Associated Student Body funds may only be used to provide student incentives for participation in ASB activities. 

Corporate Prizes 

Groups (e.g., PTSAs, booster clubs, vendors, etc.) outside of the District offering student prizes must meet the District’s de minimis limit, promote student achievement and be compatible with District goals. 

The Superintendent is authorized to develop procedures in order to implement this policy.