How CASE Points Sparked a Lifelong Hobby

How CASE Points Encourage Positive Behavior

Preston Belair, a fourth grader in Ms. Rodriguez’s class at Sierra School of South Mountain, turned a simple school reward into a lifelong passion. After earning Considerate, Accountable, Safe & Engaged (CASE) points for positive behavior, he saved enough to buy a skateboard from the school store. That moment sparked a love for skateboarding that has since become a central part of his life.

“I can earn CASE points every day for good behavior,” said Preston, 10, who is in his second year at the school. “CASE points mean motivating, accountable, considerate, safe, and engaging.”

Sierra School of South Mountain Director Jessica Freeman said Preston has shown steady growth and pride in working toward his goals. His success reflects the school’s belief that positive reinforcement can unlock new interests and help students discover what excites them.

A Parent’s Perspective on the CASE Points Impact

His mother, Lynn Behrent, said the school’s structure and approach changed everything for her son. “Preston has always struggled with behavioral problems,” she said. “For years, I was told he was defiant, chose not to listen, and would not follow instructions. I tried everything I could think of to motivate him. Most of his behaviors occurred at school; however, he struggled at home as well. After much thought, I decided it was time to change schools.”

Behrent said joining Sierra School of South Mountain reshaped both her understanding of her son and his opportunities.

“Although it is my son who now attends Sierra School of South Mountain, I have in a sense also been educated,” she said. “I learned that many of my son’s behaviors are autism-related. The school has a very different and specific approach that has worked wonders. I am no longer being told about his daily behavioral struggles but more about his daily accomplishments.”

How a CASE Points Reward Sparked a New Passion

Those accomplishments grew quickly once Preston earned enough CASE points to purchase his skateboard. The reward gave him a sense of pride and accomplishment. Soon, he told his mother he wanted to learn how to skateboard.

“I was ecstatic that he was not only expressing wanting to engage in something, but he was also using more in depth language skills,” she said.

Community Partners Supporting Student Growth

Behrent researched opportunities and found Cowtown S.K.A.T.E., a nonprofit supported by the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department that advocates for accessible skateboarding. Preston joined the weekly program and immediately embraced the challenge. The instructors helped him grow both his confidence and skills, and even provided guidance from the program’s graphic designer when Preston wanted to design his own skateboard.

“This has opened an entire new chapter for Preston,” Behrent said. “He has discovered how good he is at skating and graphic design. The instructors have been absolutely amazing.”

The Power of Student Incentives

“Preston’s story demonstrates how a small reward for positive behavior can unlock new interests and talents in students,” said Freeman. “It shows the value of encouraging good choices and how school incentive programs can have a significant impact beyond the classroom. Preston’s experience highlights the power of positive reinforcement and the importance of providing students with opportunities to discover new passions.”