The Essential Guide to Setting up your School Store

Posted by:
Abby Coyle
4 minute read

Creating a rewards system and school store is not just about incentivizing good behavior—it's about integrating Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) into your daily school routines. If you're looking to boost student motivation and foster a more positive school environment, you've landed in the right place. Here's everything you need to know to get your School Store started.

What is a Token Economy?

A token economy operates on a simple yet powerful principle: students earn school money or points for demonstrating positive behaviors, which they can then exchange for various rewards. Whether your school already uses a token economy or you're just starting, enhancing it with a dedicated rewards store can significantly boost student engagement. A rewards store allows for individualized support and guarantees every student a chance to participate and be rewarded for their positive behavior.

Types of Rewards: Ideas to Stock Your School Store

1. Privilege-Based Rewards

A common misconception is that a school store is expensive to run. Privilege-Based Rewards are a low-to-no-cost way to engage students without breaking the bank, while teaching the power of hard-work. These can include privileges or experiences like getting to choose the music in class, a pass to skip a homework assignment, or lunch with a favorite teacher.

2. Low-Cost Rewards

Small, inexpensive items like stickers, snacks, or fancy pencils can be great for frequent recognition and can help maintain consistent engagement with your rewards program. Physical rewards provide immediate satisfaction and are a constant reminder of what students can achieve through positive behavior. 

3. High-Value Rewards

Larger rewards, such as gift cards, headphones, tickets to local events, or exclusive school gear, cost students more school dollars or points. This encourages students to save and plan, teaching them valuable financial literacy skills. Pro Tip: Ask local businesses if they’d be willing to donate high value items to your store, and raffle off the larger rewards. You can even have students buy tickets to enter a whole class raffle, like a classroom pizza party!

Check out The Complete List of Reward Ideas for Your School Store!

Setting Up Your School Rewards Store: Step-by-Step

1. Plan Your Store Layout

Decide if you will use a cart, a dedicated room, or an online system. Each has its benefits, depending on your school's size and resources.

2. Assemble a Team

Include teachers, staff, and even students in the planning and running of the store. This team can handle everything from inventory to marketing and sales. Pro Tip: Check out this webinar on how to create a student-led store!

3. Select Your Rewards

Based on student feedback and preferences, choose a mix of tangible and intangible rewards. Ensure you have a variety of options to cater to different interests and age groups.

4. Decide on Store Hours and Operations

Regular operation hours ensure students know when they can redeem their points, making the rewards system a reliable part of their school routine. Pro Tip: Allow students to purchase store items online using ClassBank throughout the week, and then pick up their rewards at the same time each Friday!

5. Marketing and Promotion

Keep the student body informed and excited about the store. Use school announcements, posters, and digital communications to keep everyone in the loop. Pro Tip: Hire a group of student as the "Marketing Team" to promote your school store using ClassBank's Jobs feature!

Check out Pleasant View Middle School's School Store TV Slides here!

6. Monitor and Adapt

Gather feedback from students and staff to see what's working and what can be improved. This will help you keep the store relevant and engaging.

Setting up your School Store with ClassBank

Incorporating a rewards store into your School-Wide PBIS program is more than just providing goodies—it's about reinforcing positive behavior and creating lasting educational impacts. ClassBank can seamlessly integrate into this process, offering an easy-to-use platform that tracks student achievements and simplifies the management of your school store. From setting up a digital token economy to providing a full inventory management system, ClassBank supports educators in building a nurturing and motivating educational environment.

Ready to start your school rewards store? ClassBank is here to help you make it a success. Sign up for a demo to learn more about how our tools can enhance your PBIS initiatives and create a rewarding learning experience for your staff and students!

Image Sources: 
1. Ben Star, 2024. Accessed via https://store4schools.com/22-school-merchandise-store-product-ideas/
2. Wedgewood Elementary PTA, 2024. Accessed via https://wedgewoodpta.digitalpto.com/school-store/?__cf_chl_tk=4vBZKvfH6MePxINFH5f4Ljjlb4KQVOjUMwk57NKAV1M-1721328573-0.0.1.1-6335
3. Culture Over Content, 2024. Accessed via https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reward-Coupons-for-Middle-School-Classroom-Management-4688055?st=957a64b567deea5dbc5b12816087c18d