Glacier's Token System Create Predictability and Ownership
Student line up at the store to redeem their Den Dollars.
Students do better when school feels welcoming, expectations are clear and adults work together to respond when support is needed. In Highline, that work is part of our student supports priority area: making sure each student gets the right support or challenge at the right time.
At Glacier Middle School, the Culture and Climate Team leads that work by strengthening schoolwide expectations, routines, and systems so students are connected and supported.
Glacier makes expectations visible in everyday ways. Students are expected to come to school ready to learn, with needed materials, use electronics appropriately, have respectful language, and behave safely. Staff reinforce those expectations throughout the day, helping create an environment that feels predictable, welcoming and supportive.
One example is Den Dollars, Glacier’s schoolwide rewards system tied to the Glacier Wolves identity. Students earn Den Dollars for positive choices and can use them in the school store, which is open every Friday during lunch. Students can get things like snacks, beanies or mystery cups. The store happens at the same time each week.
Principal Tamasha Emedi-Frye said that consistency matters for both students and staff.
“Students can see their Den Dollars at any time, which gives them ownership. And because the school store is open every Friday during lunch, students know they can count on it. It keeps the energy going and gives staff regular opportunities for positive interactions with students.”
Glacier also adjusts the school store based on student interests. When staff noticed students using backpacks as makeshift soccer goals during free time, they added soccer equipment to the store.
These schoolwide supports help build belonging for all students. They also help staff notice when a student may need more support. For example, if a student is regularly late or struggling to meet expectations, staff can step in with additional support such as check-ins, academic support, family meetings or help from counselors and other staff.
Behind the scenes, Glacier uses data to better understand student needs and respond early. Den Dollars are connected to Synergy/StudentVUE, Highline’s student information system, and along with other data points, help staff notice patterns, guide conversations, and make more informed decisions about support. Students can also track their Den Dollar balance in StudentVUE, which helps build ownership, goal setting and positive behavior.
This is what Student Supports looks like in practice: strong supports for all students, paired with systems that help staff identify and respond to student needs early.
A Priority Area
This work supports one of Highline’s strategic priorities: improving student support systems. This means providing the right support or challenge at the right time so each student can grow and succeed.