In Mr. Melton’s class, students are given colored popsicle sticks at the start of class. If you behave, you keep your stick and get a sticker. If you talk too much or “misbehave,” your stick gets taken away.

This system is unfair because:

• Sticks are often taken for reasons that feel biased or inconsistent.
• It gives too much power to one person’s judgment instead of clear, equal rules.
• Losing a stick discourages students and takes away chances to earn rewards, even if they were trying our best.

We believe the popsicle stick system is unfair and should be removed from the classroom. We ask for a fairer, more positive way to encourage good behavior.