In Capitão Poço, school creates project for recognition and appreciation of students

Understanding the importance of valuing not only results but also the learning journey, the Joaquim Almeida State School, in the municipality of Capitão Poço, created the project "Student Note 10: Valuing Effort and Academic Performance." The initiative focuses on 6th-grade students and goes beyond the numbers on the report card to recognize what often goes unnoticed: daily effort, persistence in the face of difficulties, and the evolution achieved step by step.

The simple yet transformative proposal launched a new perspective on student performance. The school began to reward not only those who excelled academically but also those who, day after day, showed dedication, overcoming challenges, and a desire to learn.

The organizers of the interdisciplinary project are teachers Altielis Lima, Idamy Cordeiro, Lidiane Queiroz, and the principal, France Rodrigues. "When informed about the project, the students showed great enthusiasm, as it was an unprecedented initiative at the school. Many began to engage more, realizing that effort would also be valued, not just the highest grades," said the student.

"The selection of awardees was made collectively, based on criteria defined and discussed in pedagogical meetings among the teachers, recognizing both academic performance and the dedication and evolution of the students," says teacher Altielis Lima.

At the end of the first semester, amidst applause and photos on the wall, the students were recognized not only for their achievements but also for their journeys. With symbolic prizes, such as books, school supplies, and souvenirs offered by community partners, each award became a reminder that studying is worthwhile.

One of the awarded students was Antônio Carlos, who shared how he achieved this recognition. "I tried to follow the teachers' guidelines, maintain good behavior at school, complete all activities, be attentive, careful, and collaborative with my classmates," said the student.

Two paths of recognition were created. One for the three students who achieved the highest number of grades of 10, excellence measured by academic performance. The other, equally important, for the three students who showed the most improvement: those who, with visible and constant effort, demonstrated that learning is also about growing from within. This choice did not come from a single perspective but from careful evaluation made by various teachers across different subjects. But no one was left out. All students, even those who were not among the awardees, received a medal and a certificate, symbols that they are part of something greater, a school that believes in the power of encouragement and the potential of each individual.

Teachers, families, and members of the school community actively participated, which added even more value to the initiative. This collective involvement helped make the project more solid and effective, strengthening the ties between school and community.

"I believe that by highlighting a student with excellent performance, we also encourage peers to seek the best in themselves, respecting their own possibilities. This directly contributes to building a more positive, inspiring, and motivating school environment. The most important thing is that this type of recognition values not only knowledge but also effort, commitment, and the values that the student demonstrates," affirms Lidiane Queiroz, teacher.

The "Student Note 10" left an important legacy, showing that every journey matters, that every progress deserves recognition, and that education gains strength when based on encouragement, appreciation, and trust in the potential of each student.