Fuse Project’s Long-Awaited School Store Sparks Excitement at Florence Howard Elementary
Fuse Project recently celebrated the grand opening of our highly anticipated school store at Florence Howard Elementary School, a project that has been in the making for a very long time. This milestone was made possible thanks to the incredible teamwork of the school’s leadership, staff, and our dedicated community partners, including Bay City Fitness, HUB International, and the 5th-grade families at UMS-Wright. Their collective efforts have brought to life a space that will serve as a tangible reminder of how hard work and achievement are rewarded.
A Collaborative Effort
The FHES school store is more than just a room filled with prizes; it is a symbol of collaboration and shared vision. Fuse Project, alongside the leadership at FHES, worked tirelessly to bring this idea to life, sending surveys to teachers to gather insights on what students would find most exciting and motivating. The result? A customized array of incentives that students are thrilled to earn.
The support of Bay City Fitness, HUB International, and the UMS-Wright families was instrumental in stocking the store. Special thanks go to UMS 5th grade boys and families for their contributions to this initiative!!
Rewarding Hard Work and Growth
The store made its debut during a celebration of the mid-year iReady Diagnostic assessment results. Over 200 students, representing about 45% of the school, were recognized for their proficiency and growth in reading and math. These students were treated to an out-of-uniform day and a chance to visit the store, which was transformed into a lively hub of excitement.
Our spirit line greeted 23 classrooms from kindergarten to fifth grade, with cheers of “We are proud of you!” creating an electric atmosphere of positivity. The top two performers in reading and math from each homeroom were invited to choose candy and an item from the premium gift shelves, while the top three students in growth picked out candy and smaller prizes. This event highlighted the school’s commitment to celebrating progress, no matter where students are on their learning journey.
Why Incentives Matter
Research supports the idea that student incentives significantly boost academic performance. Recognizing achievements fosters a sense of accomplishment, builds confidence, and cultivates a growth mindset. Incentive programs like the FHES school store not only reward academic success but also motivate students to keep striving for improvement. By associating effort and growth with positive reinforcement, schools create an environment where students feel valued and encouraged to reach their potential.
Sustaining the Momentum
The new school store is just the beginning. As Florence Howard Elementary prepares for the upcoming ACAP testing in March, the store will continue to play a key role in recognizing and rewarding both growth and top performance throughout the year. Maintaining a well-stocked store is essential to keeping this momentum going, and Fuse Project is calling on the community to help.
Join the Effort
If you or your organization would like to support this initiative by donating items or funding, we’d love to hear from you! Please email us at info@fuseproject.org to learn how you can contribute to the success of these young learners.
This initiative is a shining example of how community partnerships and creative strategies can make a lasting difference in the lives of children. Together, we’re building confidence through achievement, one incentive at a time.
