Acknowledging Gator Success

Vista West is happy to celebrate Gators who exhibit greatness both in and out of the classroom. Through programs like Gator Bites, Gator Bucks, and special recognition, students and staff readily acknowledge students who are exhibiting the Gator Rule.

Acknowledgements for exhibiting the Gator Rule – Respect, Understanding, Leadership, Effort
Gator Bite	Handed to students who exhibit a Gator Rule in and out of the classroom. They can redeem at the Gator Bite cart during lunch
Gator Bucks	Gator Bucks are collected electronically by students. These are awarded by teachers in the classroom. They can be used to purchase Gator Gear in the online store. The inventory changes regularly and surprises, like Pizza, Burritos, Chick-fil-A sandwiches, pop-up monthly for students to purchase using their collected bucks.
Swamp Land Fast Pass	Allow students to skip to the front of the lunch line
Gator of the Month	Staff select one student to celebrate at a luncheon. This student best represents one of the GATOR RULE tenants. The student is given a certificate, and their picture is put on the Gator of the Month Wall.
Positive Postcards	Staff can fill out a positive postcard for any student who is exhibiting outstanding success in their classroom or on campus. These cards are turned in, addressed and sent out to ensure parents know of the student’s success.
Acknowledgement for Classroom Success (Academic and Attendance) at Vista West
Achieve 3000	Each month students are celebrated and rewarded for increasing their reading level, as measured by Achieve 3000.
Swamp Gators	Students who achieve 25 credits or more each term are rewarded with a luncheon in their honor.
Attendance Challenges	Each Term an attendance challenge issued for students to complete. All students that meet the criteria at the conclusion of the time period are rewarded with a party, prizes or other methods.
Graduate Acknowledgements
Challenge Coin	Each coin tells a story of belonging and perseverance. An earned coin symbolizes the holder faced a challenge, overcame an obstacle, and kept going, even when quitting was easier. Each Vista West Graduate earns a challenge coin that represents the grit it took to overcome obstacles and finish high school It’s a lasting reminder that they showed resilience, refused to give up, and earned their success.
Vista West Yearbook	Each Gator Graduate is given a yearbook to remember their success while at Vista West.
Super Swamp Gator Medal	A Gator Graduate who earns at least 25 credits each term for at least four terms.
Yellow Cord	Earned a 3.5 GPA for at least two terms
Silver Cord	Earned a 3.0 GPA for at least two terms