This is in response to the May 6 article regarding, “New School Discipline Approach Turns Bad Choices Into Teachable Moments,” by Ted Booker. As a retired teacher from the Gobles public schools, I will comment that this approach in not new. We employed a positive approach to discipline at our middle school there. A record was kept each marking period and students who earned specific positive points were rewarded with a choice of a movie at a local theatre or a bowling outing, and a lunch at a local restaurant. This was during the school day and was paid for by the P.T.O. Teachers were informed that these students would be absent on a specific day and no assignments had to be made up. The positive motive for “good” behavior was very effective and well received by students, faculty, and parents.

Jean Nitz St. Ignace