In a world that seems to keep losing its manners and graciousness, seeing schools reward their students for good behavior is encouraging, to say the least.

And that is what is happening in Lawrence County’s school districts.

Last week South Point Elementary students were treated to a dance party where David Glenn, a retired DJ and Tamarack artist, played the latest hits and added a special light show.

The South Point party was for students with “a clean, spotless record with no disciplinary tickets,” according to administrative assistant Bill Christian.

Out of 380 students at the elementary school, almost 80 percent of the children were eligible to participate.

Earlier in the month, Burlington Elementary students had a similar treat when the school threw its annual sock hop, also to reward good behavior during the school day. There 95 percent of the student body got to go to the event that had a 1950s theme. Volunteers with the Parent Teacher Organization hosted the party as well as the one at South Point, which also gave the students the opportunity to see adults giving back to their community.

Glenn, who has a track record working with young people as a member of law enforcement, understands how rewarding children in such ways brings out the best in them.

“Rewards have a positive outcome,” he said.

Yes, they do ,and it is a much better way to teach the children to be productive, caring people.