5 Star Students Program Renewal

Impact: All middle school students

Renewal of the 5-Star Students Program will directly support DISD students by increasing safety, enhancing engagement, and promoting responsible, self-directed behavior — all of which are essential for innovation and effective learning.

1. Boosting Innovation Through Accountability and Ownership: By digitizing hall pass tracking, students gain real-time awareness of their time and movement on campus. This system promotes student ownership of their actions, a key trait of innovative thinkers. When students are trusted to manage their time responsibly and are held accountable through transparent data, they develop self-regulation and decision-making skills that extend beyond the classroom.
2. Promoting More Effective Learning Through Improved Instructional Time: The digital hall pass feature reduces classroom disruptions and hallway congestion. Teachers spend less time on administrative tasks and more time focused on instruction. Students remain in class longer, which means more consistent access to teaching and learning. The result is a more structured, distraction-free environment that facilitates deeper learning.
3. Increasing Engagement Through Positive Reinforcement: The positive behavior recognition system encourages students to go above and beyond not just academically, but socially and emotionally. Students earn points for demonstrating leadership, kindness, improvement, attendance, and participation. This recognition creates a school culture where doing the right thing is celebrated, which increases student motivation and engagement.
4. Strengthening School Connectedness and Participation: Through the reward system, students become more involved in school life, from school spirit to campus events. The platform helps staff identify students who might be under-engaged or at risk and provides a mechanism to create personalized incentives and encouragement. When students feel seen, valued, and involved, they are more likely to thrive in and out of the classroom.
5. Supporting Equity and Inclusion: The system ensures that all students have equal access to recognition not just the highest achievers. Quiet leadership, personal growth, and positive peer interactions are all rewarded, giving every student a path to success. This inclusive approach fosters a more positive, respectful, and culturally responsive school climate.